Despite a report from the Pioneer Press on Thursday suggesting Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman can’t return to college for the 2020 season, the Golden Gophers star is apparently interested in playing this fall.

Yahoo’s Pete Thamel reported on Friday morning that Bateman “wants to play” for Minnesota in 2020 after the B1G reinstated the fall football season, set to begin on Oct. 23-24. Bateman did sign with an agent, but because of the unique circumstances the offseason presented, he may be able to receive a waiver from the NCAA.

Bateman opted out of the season on Aug. 4, a week before the B1G postponed the college football season. Now that there appears to be more certainty with the football season, it appears the star receiver has serious interest in returning.

Many NFL Draft analysts consider Bateman to be one of the top receivers in the 2021 class. He’s projected as first-round selection, but could improve his stock even more with a big year in 2020.

Bateman was considered one of the top receivers in the conference, and the country, heading into the 2020 season. He finished his sophomore season in 2019 with 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns as the Gophers posted an 11-2 record, one of the best marks in program history.

If he returns, it would be a significant boost for the Golden Gopher offense.