How do you top the most improbably wonderful season in recent memory? Have the third string quarterback, who led the Buckeyes to a national championship in his first three starts, call a press conference to announce — that he's returning to Ohio State for his junior season.
Saying it was "it was best for me to go back to school," and "it was very simple for me – the NFL after three games, was out of the question for me," Jones shocked everyone and #OSUTwitter was all over the story from the drop.
First, the tweet that kicked off today's circus. Jones had previously tweeted the "life changing decision" would come at 3 p.m., but deleted that tweet when the start time was pushed back:
Life changing decision at 4pm
— Cardale Jones (@CJ12_) January 15, 2015
When word got out that Jones would hold his press conference at Cleveland's Ginn Academy, all signs pointed to the quarterback declaring for the 2015 NFL Draft.
If I'm Cardale, I take off while my stocks at it's highest.
— Jay Richardson (@JayRichardson99) January 15, 2015
If Cardale Jones is still around sitting there in the 2nd round and the Browns don't take him this May that would be #mindblowing
— Beanie Wells (@BeanieWells26) January 15, 2015
Folks, if he was staying, don't you think the announcement would be at the Woody? #HeGone #GoodLuckCardale #ThanksGorTheTitle
— Matt Finkes (@MattFinkes) January 15, 2015
Cardales gotta go. Cant pass up that life changing money at the possibility of not even starting next year.
— Dustin Fox (@DustinFox37) January 15, 2015
If I'm Cardale...... NFL here I come. #StrikeWhileTheIronIsHot #getpaid
— Jake Stoneburner (@STONEYeleven) January 15, 2015
#12 did what he had to do.......#GoGetThatMoney
— Jermale Hines (@Male_Hines7) January 15, 2015
Meanwhile, Ohio State wide receivers Corey Smith and Michael Thomas did their best to fuel speculation that Jones would opt for the draft. Thomas, in a series of now deleted tweets, implied he may also be declaring for the draft. Troll game = strong, Mike.
12 Gauge
— Corey Smith Jr (@dreamchaser_cj5) January 15, 2015
Mike Thomas to join cardale at 3 o clock
— Corey Smith Jr (@dreamchaser_cj5) January 15, 2015
As the presser neared, Cardale's father, Tyvis Powell, had his fun:
12 could've let me know what the decision was. I'm his father and his roommate for Christ sake. You think you know a guy....
— Tyvis Powell (@1Tyvis) January 15, 2015
Whether 12 go or stay, Rent is still due on the 1st and I'm gone have my half!
— Tyvis Powell (@1Tyvis) January 15, 2015
As did linebacker Darron Lee:
What is up with Cleveland guys and decision shows?
— Darron Lee (@DLeeMG8) January 15, 2015
"Yo dawg...make your decision on TV..." pic.twitter.com/PM86y8gHen
— Darron Lee (@DLeeMG8) January 15, 2015
Even moments before the start of the press conference, all signs pointed to Jones leaving:
Hearing Cardale is leaving. If so-wish him all the best. Young man took FULL advantage of his limited opportunities. Played w/ great courage
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) January 15, 2015
And then...
Cardale Jones announces he is coming back to Ohio State.
— Tim Shoemaker (@TimShoemaker) January 15, 2015
Let's party, Columbus.
BMMMMM!!!!!!!
— Mark Pantoni (@markpantoni) January 15, 2015
The rent is SAFE!!!!
— Tyvis Powell (@1Tyvis) January 15, 2015
he got everybody
— Jamarco Jones (@jjones_74) January 15, 2015
Buckeye nation just won as well.
— Reid Fragel (@Fragel79) January 15, 2015
— Carlos Hyde (@elguapo) January 15, 2015
12 nemmmmm
— EzekielElliott#15 (@EzekielElliott) January 15, 2015
Moral of the story: Stay in school kids...they can't take your degree away from you
— Darron Lee (@DLeeMG8) January 15, 2015
Dale is savage for that
— Taylor Decker (@TDeck68) January 15, 2015
Good for you man. One of the most mature press conferences I've ever heard. Probably skipping class for the press conference tho
— Mike (@mike63bennett) January 15, 2015
Good for him! Would have completely understood if he decided to leave recently having a baby girl, but SO impressed he looked stayed.
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) January 15, 2015
Wow! Didn't see that coming at all, Especially after witnessing the 2 Qb's in front of him go down with injury.
— Beanie Wells (@BeanieWells26) January 15, 2015
I wasn't worried about it. Everybody know @CJ12_ and I are a package deal! Lol
— Tyvis Powell (@1Tyvis) January 15, 2015
im dead @CJ12_ u wild
— Lil Tre 2 (@treydayy_) January 15, 2015
Good to see @CJ12_ coming back!
— Eli Apple (@EliApple13) January 15, 2015
