The Ohio State Buckeyes have parted ways with walk-on defensive lineman Caden Davis, just days before their highly anticipated National Championship showdown against Notre Dame. The game, set for January 20, marks the culmination of the 2024 college football season and offers Ohio State a chance at redemption after losing their last four encounters with archrival Michigan.
However, regardless of the outcome on the field, Davis will not share in the experience. The defensive lineman, who gained more recognition for his social media presence than his on-field contributions, has been dismissed from the program. This development was confirmed by a team spokesperson and relayed to The Lantern on Wednesday. Jerry Emig, the school’s information director, also verified the news.
Caden Davis Confirms His Exit via Social Media
Davis later took to Instagram to address his departure, expressing gratitude toward the Buckeyes’ coaches, staff, and players for the opportunity to fulfill his childhood dream of joining the team.
“Being a Buckeye has always been a dream come true of mine since being a kid,” Davis wrote. “I am so very appreciative to the coaches, staff, and players for welcoming me into the team. I truly cannot thank them enough for allowing me to live my dream for the last two years and mentoring me the way they have. With changes in the NCAA and personal career reasons, I will not be a PWO (Preferred Walk-On) at OSU. I appreciate the support of everyone and your help in respecting my privacy about the decision made. Thank you, Go Bucks.”
A Social Media Star on the Sidelines
During his two years with Ohio State, Davis became better known as a social media influencer than as a football player. His TikTok account, along with his profiles on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), saw his following grow by more than 300,000 users. Davis frequently shared behind-the-scenes content, offering glimpses into the program’s facilities, campus life, and media events. Some of his most popular posts highlighted the perks of being part of the Buckeyes’ football team, which resonated with fans and aspiring athletes alike.
Despite his popularity online, Davis did not see any playing time during his tenure with the team. Ohio State has not disclosed the reasons behind his dismissal, leaving fans and followers to speculate on the circumstances.
Looking Ahead to the Championship Game
As the Buckeyes prepare to face Notre Dame in the National Championship game, Davis will be watching from the sidelines, reflecting on what might have been. A victory over the Fighting Irish would provide a triumphant end to Ohio State’s season and help erase the sting of recent defeats to Michigan.
While Davis’s journey with the Buckeyes has come to an unexpected and early end, his statement reflects an appreciation for the opportunity and a readiness to move on. His exit underscores the challenges and complexities of balancing personal ambitions, team expectations, and the growing influence of social media in college athletics.
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