Despite reports that Pat Freiermuth had opted out of the 2020 college football season, the Penn State tight end is planning to suit up for the Nittany Lions this fall, now that the B1G season has been reinstated. He made a guest appearance on Big Ten Network on Wednesday to confirm.

Jon Sauber of the Centre Daily Times reported last week that Freiermuth was opting out of the 2020 college football season, back when it looked like the B1G wouldn’t play until at least the winter months. However, the tight end denied those rumors and says he’s ready to play again at Penn State this fall.

“I never opted out. I don’t know where those reports came from,” Freiermuth said. “But I stayed consistent, trusted Coach Franklin that he was gonna get the job done and I’m just excited to play football again for Penn State. I can’t wait for the season.”

Freiermuth did say there was some open dialogue and conversations he had with Franklin over the last month, but that he never opted out of playing this season.

That’s huge news for Penn State, which already saw star linebacker Micah Parsons opt out of the 2020 season and declare for the 2021 NFL Draft. Parsons is expected to be a top 10 selection in the draft.

In his two seasons on the field at Penn State, Freiermuth has proven to be a lethal weapon for the offense. He’s totaled 875 yards and 15 touchdowns on 69 receptions during his career. Last year, he had 43 catches for 507 yards and 7 scores as Penn State finished 11-2.

In a mock draft from Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller, Freiermuth is pegged as an early second-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.