Ohio State kicker positive for COVID-19, out for CFP finale

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla., Jan. 11 (UPI) -- Ohio State kicker Blake Haubeil has tested positive for COVID-19 and won't play in the College Football Playoff National Championship game, he said Monday on Instagram.

"I'm extremely upset, but at the same time I'm overwhelmingly thankful to be an individual who is asymptomatic," Haubeil wrote in the post, about three hours before the Alabama and Ohio State kickoff in Miami Gardens, Fla.

"I have spent the past four months making sacrifices, and have not seen my family and friends on single time. So, to say I'm pissed off is a complete understatement. I didn't go out and do something I knew I wasn't supposed to be doing and then wake up with a positive test."

Haubeil said his positive test gave him one of the "most-gut wrenching feelings" he has ever experienced.

Jake Seibert or Dominic DiMaccio will replace Haubeil as the Buckeyes field goal kicker against Alabama.

The Buckeyes were expected to be without players for the title game due to positive tests and protocols from the last week. Alabama and Ohio State discussed postponement of the title game, but opted to keep the game at its original date.

Haubeil made 5 of 7 field goals during this season. He made 24 of 24 extra point attempts. The senior kicker also missed two games due to a groin injury.

Ohio State and Alabama kick off at 8 p.m. EST on Monday at Hard Rock Stadium.

Ohio State defeats Clemson at Sugar Bowl

From left to right, Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day, with players Justin Fields and Tuf Borland hold the Miller-Digby Memorial Trophy after defeating Clemson 49-28 in the Sugar Bowl on Friday. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo

Day is showered by linebacker Trayvon Wilburn (R) and offensive lineman Dawand Jones (C) after defeating Clemson. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo

Fields celebrates a Most Valuable Player award with Day. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo

Clemson's Cornell Powell (C) dives across the goal line to score a touchdown. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo

Ohio State's Jameson Williams (R) catches a pass for a touchdown. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo

Ohio State's Chris Olave (L) catches a pass and evades Clemson's Derion Kendrick for a 56-yard touchdown. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo

A security official reminds attendees about the coronavirus safety protocols during the Sugar Bowl, where about 3,000 football fans were allowed into the stadium. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo

Clemson fans react late in the second half. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo

Ohio State's Jeremy Ruckert (R) catches 12-yard touchdown. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo

Ruckert (R) celebrates the 12-yard touchdown. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo

An Ohio State fan reacts during the game. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo

Ohio State's Chris Olave (L) scores on a 9-yard pass reception. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo

Ohio State's Trey Sermon (C) scrambles past Clemson's defenders. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo

Ruckert (R) runs past Clemson defensive end Justin Mascoll for a 17-yard touchdown. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo

Clemson's Trevor Lawrence (C) runs for a touchdown against Ohio State. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo

Clemson's Travis Etienne (C) scores on a 3-yard touchdown run. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo

Clemson's Trevor Lawrence (L) hands off to Etienne during the first half. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo

Ohio State's Chris Olave (C) celebrates with teammate Luke Farrell after a 9-yard pass reception. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo

Clemson's Davis Allen (L) makes a catch over Ohio State's Josh Proctor. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo

Clemson's quarterback Lawrence (L) joins head coach Dabo Swinney before the game. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo

Ohio State Buckeyes players enter the field for the Sugar Bowl. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo

Swinney is framed by a Sugar Bowl logo before the NCAA semifinal game. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo