Big Ten defenders will no longer have to worry about Pryor. (Scott Stuart via Creative Commons)

Pryor’s announcement comes just eight days after Jim Tressel resigned from the program.

“In the best interests of my teammates, I’ve made the decision to forgo my senior year of football at The Ohio State University,” Pryor said in a statement issued by his lawyer.

Pryor, who was already suspended for the first five games of the 2011 season, became the key figure of the scandal that surrounded the Buckeyes after Tressel’s resignation. 

 With an internal investigation and NCAA probe looming, it was just a matter of time before the former No. 1 high school prospect in the nation said goodbye to the Buckeye faithful.

Pryor will leave Ohio State with 57 career touchdowns, 6,177 total yards and three Big Ten titles. 

 In 2010 Pryor led the Buckeyes to a Rose Bowl victory over Oregon, defeating the Ducks 26-17.

In 2011, the Buckeyes defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks 31-26 on Pryor’s 221 passing yards and two touchdowns.

ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” reported Tuesday night that Pryor earned anywhere from “$20,000 to $40,000” for autographing memorabilia for a Columbus businessman. 

 Ohio State University officials are set to meet with the NCAA on August 12th; however, with new allegations being revealed almost at a weekly rate, the NCAA could postpone their meeting until November or December.

The 6'6", 235 lb. Pryor will look to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft if eligible. Indeed, the NFL must choose to have a supplemental draft for Pryor to enter before he can be considered eligible. 

 Pryor could also consider the Canadian Football League or United Football League where he could refine his skills as a quarterback or switch to the receiver or tight-end positions.

Pryor’s potential successors at quarterback include journeyman Joe Bauserman and freshman phenom Braxton Miller.

The Ohio State post-Pryor era will begin Saturday, September 3rd against Akron.

Watch a video of Pryor's OSU highlights below:

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