Ohio State QB Jones returning to school

Jan 15, 2015 - 9:38 PM Cleveland, OH (SportsNetwork.com) - Quarterback Cardale Jones will return to Ohio State next season.

Jones made the announcement Thursday afternoon at Ginn Academy in Cleveland.

"My decision was very simple. I'm gonna return next year for school," said Jones.

The announcement was kind of a surprise after Jones said he will be making a "life changing decision" on his Twitter account earlier Thursday.

Many took Jones' tweet as if he was going to enter the 2015 NFL draft.

"Being a first-round draft pick means nothing to me without my education," said Jones.

Jones helped the Buckeyes win the national championship on Monday against Oregon in only his third career start, throwing for 242 yards with a touchdown while adding a rushing score in the 42-20 rout.

He began the 2014 season third on the depth chart behind Braxton Miller and J.T. Barrett, but was pressed into duty when both were hurt. The redshirt sophomore made his first start in the Big Ten championship game and led Ohio State to a 59-0 win over Wisconsin, then helped the Buckeyes to a 42-35 victory over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl before this past Monday's heroics.