After two tremendous seasons at Ohio State, Chris Olave could’ve declared for the 2021 NFL Draft. There’s no question he would’ve heard his name called at some point during the event.

Instead, the Buckeyes receiver opted to return to Columbus for another season — a huge boost to an offense that lost quarterback Justin Fields and starting running back Trey Sermon. Pairing up with Garrett Wilson on the outside, Ohio State will have one of the best wide receiver tandems in the country.

Why did Olave decide to return for another season? He explained a little bit of what went into his decision while meeting with reporters on Thursday as the Buckeyes wind down spring ball.

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One of the biggest factors in Olave’s decision was the way he felt following Ohio State’s blowout loss to Alabama in the national championship.

“I had a terrible feeling in my stomach,” Olave said, per Dan Hope of Eleven Warriors. “I just didn’t want to leave college like that.”

Last season, Olave totaled 50 catches for 729 yards and 7 touchdowns during the Buckeyes’ 7-1 season. He was brilliant in Ohio State’s revenge game against Clemson in the Sugar Bowl, totaling 6 catches for 132 yards and 2 scores. Olave had 69 yards on 8 catches against the Crimson Tide in the title game.

Olave also said that he’s hoping to get a little stronger over the next year and improve in areas he’s struggled with so he’s a more complete wide receiver when he steps onto the NFL field. He wants to be able to make an impact Week 1.

The wide receiver also said finishing out his degree at Ohio State was important.

In three seasons at Ohio State, Olave has caught 110 passes for 1,766 yards and 22 touchdowns. Heading into the 2021 season, he’ll be one of college football’s top returning receivers.