Cardale Jones announced he's returning to Ohio State on Thursday, setting up a potential three-way quarterback battle of the ages with J.T. Barrett and Braxton Miller this spring.
That is, if Miller stays at Ohio State. Miller, a senior who is eligible to transfer and play right away, has become a hot commodity this offseason. Will he transfer? Or will he stay home with the Buckeyes?
Where will Miller play next season? Here are the best bets.
Ohio State
Upshot: Miller, who is 28-8 as Ohio State's starter, could eliminate doubts about his shoulder with a strong spring, and he is the most experienced quarterback on the roster. It's easy to forget how dynamic he is. Remember, he lost just two games in two seasons as a starter.
Downside: Miller could lose the starting job to either Barrett or Jones and could end up a third-string quarterback. At that point, he could be asked to move to running back or wide receiver.
Chance he plays here: Decent. Miller is an Ohio native, and it wouldn't be easy to leave Columbus. He can still win the job. That said, all the transfer rumors have created a lot of smoke, and Miller hasn't said publicly he is returning yet. If he leaves, that might actually clear up the three-way race a little bit.
Florida State
Upshot: Seminoles fans — one very popular adult film actress in particular — want Miller in Tallahassee. A year in Jimbo Fisher's offense would help prepare Miller for the NFL, and Florida State stays in the College Football Playoff race.
Downside: Miller could experience difficulty in a new system, and Florida State has lost one ACC game the last three seasons. Patience is not an option here.
Chance he plays here: Good. Florida State needs a quarterback with the loss of Jameis Winston, and Miller has been rumored to be on their list. This isn't a ridiculous scenario.
LSU
Upshot: Miller and Leonard Fournette in the same backfield? Yes, please. That gives LSU 1,000-yard rushers at two different positions, and opposing defenses would be forced to load the box. The Tigers already have a bunch of young talent, and Les Miles taking a shot on an Ohio State quarterback is a storyline in itself.
Downside: A year of Miller hinders the development of Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris, and one or both of those quarterbacks could decide to transfer.
Chance he plays here: Decent. Miller makes LSU a national championship contender, one fully capable of beating Alabama in Tuscaloosa next season. This move makes sense on a lot of levels.
Oklahoma
Upshot: Quarterback play doomed the Sooners in 2014, and Miller gives Bob Stoops and new offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley a new threat to work with, one that can help Oklahoma keep up with TCU and Baylor.
Downside: Miller isn't a lock to start if he goes here. Oklahoma still has Trevor Knight, Baker Mayfield and Cody Thomas on the roster. That would create another wild quarterback race.
Chance he plays here: Fair. Dorial Green-Beckham transferred to Oklahoma last offseason and didn’t play a down for the Sooners on the field. Stoops might be willing to take a chance on Miller, but there has to be a payoff this time.
Houston
Upshot: Miller reunites with offensive coordinator Tom Herman and gets the chance to lead the Cougars in the American Athletic Conference. Houston quarterbacks such as Kevin Kolb and Case Keenum have used this stage to get to the NFL. Miller could take advantage with video-game numbers, and Herman keeps Miller out of the Power 5.
Downside: The AAC isn't quite the same stage as the Big Ten, and anything less than a conference championship and Group of 5 playoff bowl bid would be seen as a loss for a player with Miller's talent.
Chance he plays here: Better than you think. Don't rule it out. It fits.
Wild cards
Alabama: Just imagine the hype if Miller led the Crimson Tide into a rematch with Ohio State in the College Football Playoff. The Tide tried this last year with Florida State transfer Jacob Coker.
Duke: The Blue Devils also have been linked to Miller, and a year with quarterback guru David Cutcliffe wouldn’t hurt heading into the next level.
Florida: Miller would be first-year coach Jim McElwain’s best recruit, and he would elevate the one position that has kept the Gators out of the SEC championship game the last four seasons.
Oregon: Miller picks up where Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota left off. Business as usual for the Ducks.
South Carolina: Don't think the Head Ball Coach would take a year with Miller?
