Ohio State quarterback Matthew Baldwin plans to enter the NCAA's transfer portal, he announced on Twitter Thursday.
Buckeyes coach coach Ryan Day confirmed the decision to ESPN.
"My family and I have prayed and talked a lot about where I belong and what is best for me," Baldwin said, in part, in his statement. "In the end, we feel like it would be better for me to step away from Ohio State. I want everyone to know this isn't done out of anger or frustration, but I'm not just a football player."
— Matthew Baldwin (@matthewb_12) April 19, 2019
The redshirt freshman, who suffered a torn ACL his first year in Columbus, had been expected to compete with sophomore transfer Justin Fields for the starting quarterback role with the Buckeyes. Baldwin shared first-team snaps with Fields during spring drills and in Ohio State's spring game Saturday, Baldwin completed 20 of 36 attempts for 246 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions.
"I loved getting to know Justin and competing with him was an incredible experience for me," Baldwin said of the former five-star recruit and Georgia transfer who was granted immediate eligiblity.
Baldwin is the second Ohio State quarterback to transfer since coach Ryan Day, entering his first season as Buckeyes coach, persuaded Fields to transfer to Ohio State. Tate Martell, who was the backup to departed starter Dwayne Haskins last season, left Ohio State for Miami.
Day said Saturday he wasn't prepared to name a starter but told reporters he is looking to add another quarterback to the roster before the season.
"I don't think right now that we're going to make a decision. It'll continue through the preseason," Day said. "These guys have to keep going. They'll probably all have to play in some way, shape or form along the way."
ESPN reported that Baldwin, a native of Austin, Texas, is looking to transfer to a school closer to home.