Ohio State QB Haskins to play in Rose Bowl

Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins is unsure of his plans for next season.

However, the Heisman Trophy finalist is certain of one thing -- he will be under center when the Buckeyes square off against Pac-12 Conference champion Washington in the Rose Bowl.

A number of top college players have opted to skip their team's bowl games in order to prepare for the 2019 NFL Draft. Haskins won't be among them.

"Just being a quarterback, it's your job to lead the team," Haskins told The Athletic. "And for you to say you don't want to play, you're not about the team or winning or losing. You just want to get out while you can. There was no doubt in my mind about playing in the game because I know I can help this team win.

"So whether I was thinking about leaving or not, just knowing I have the opportunity to leave is great, but there is no doubt about me playing in the bowl game."

Haskins will be in New York City on Saturday night along with fellow quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa of Alabama and Kyler Murray of Oklahoma for the Heisman Trophy presentation.

Although he is a decided long shot to win college football's top prize, Haskins is coming off a brilliant campaign for the sixth-ranked Buckeyes.

Haskins threw for 499 yards and five touchdowns as Ohio State defeated Northwestern in the Big Ten Championship Game last weekend. He leads the country with a Big Ten-record 47 touchdowns and 4,580 yards.

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Haskins has not said whether he plans to enter the NFL Draft, but he continued to boost his stock for the next level over the final three games.

Haskins threw for 1,300 yards with 14 touchdowns and two interceptions in leading the Buckeyes to victories over Maryland, Michigan and Northwestern.