The college football world is buzzing after a court ruling on Friday night that could reshape rosters across the nation. The decision grants all athletes from the 2022 recruiting class an extra year of NCAA eligibility, and one notable name already exploring the option is former Ohio State kicker Jayden Fielding.
Fielding, who was an All-Big Ten selection during his time with the Buckeyes, is reportedly weighing his options, according to On3.com's Pete Nakos. The ruling opens the door for players who thought their college careers had ended to lace up their cleats one more time—and Fielding is said to be seriously considering that path.
However, a return to Columbus seems unlikely. The Buckeyes have already reloaded at the kicker position, adding Connor Hawkins from Baylor and Marcello Diomede from Notre Dame, with freshman Cooper Peterson also in the mix. It's hard to imagine head coach Ryan Day wanting to juggle four kickers on the roster, so Fielding would likely need to look elsewhere if he decides to play.
Fielding's career in Scarlet and Gray was solid, but fans may remember him more for the misses than the makes. Two crucial misses in the 2024 loss to Michigan and a 27-yard chip shot that went wide in last year's Big Ten Championship Game still sting. Those moments, though, don't erase the fact that he was a reliable leg for much of his tenure.
The ruling itself is a game-changer, but it's not set in stone. According to 247's Chris Hummer, the NCAA plans to appeal the district court's injunction on an expedited basis. That means Fielding's window of opportunity could close as quickly as it opened.
For now, the former Ohio State star is exploring his options, hoping to find a top program willing to give him one last shot. The portal window has already closed, which complicates matters, but the ruling could force the NCAA to adjust its rules.
In the meantime, Fielding's situation highlights the ongoing chaos in college sports, where loyalty and NIL deals are reshaping how players and teams approach the game. It also raises questions about how the NCAA will handle eligibility and transfers moving forward.
Whether Fielding gets his fifth year remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the kicker isn't ready to hang up his cleats just yet. He's eyeing a return, and if the courts hold, he might just get his chance.
