Brent Yarina, BTN.com Senior Editor, July 14, 2015

Braxton Miller put an end to the never-ending rumors late last week, announcing he will return to Ohio State for his final season of eligibility.

[ MORE: Who should start for Ohio State? We asked several writers ]

A graduate student, Miller could have transferred and been eligible this fall. Instead, the two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year will battle J.T. Barrett and Cardale Jones for the starting quarterback job of the reigning national champs.

Did Miller consider leaving?

?Nah, I?m a Buckeye, man,? he told 247Sports.com. ?I?ve got a tat on my shoulder. My son is going to come here one day.?

[ MORE: Watch Ohio State's 'The Silver Bullets are Back' hype video ]

Miller added that the rumors linking him to Alabama, Florida State, Oregon and wherever else were nothing but, well, rumors.

Ohio State opens its title defense Monday, Sept. 7 at Virginia Tech, the lone team it lost to last season.

h/t: @SteveHelwagen

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OFF TO THE ESPYS: The quarterback and his teammates will be in Los Angeles for the ESPYS at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday. The Buckeyes are up for "best team," while Urban Meyer and Cardale Jones are candidates for "best coach/manager" and "best breakthrough athlete," respectively. See all of the categories.