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Ohio State walk-on defensive end Caden Davis was dismissed by the team days before the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, the student newspaper the Lantern reported on Wednesday (January 15).
Davis, who gained notoriety on social media for documenting his life as a Buckeyes football player despite having never played a snap, shared a post confirming the report and thanking the fanbase.
"Being a buckeye has always been a dream come true of mine since being a kid," David 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 2 years and mentoring me the way they have. With changes in the NCAA and personal career reasons I will not be a PWO at the OSU. I appreciate the support of everyone and your help to respect my privacy about the decision made. Thank you, Go Bucks."
Ohio State hadn't publicly given a reason for Davis' dismissal as of Thursday (January 16) morning. Followers began to question the walk-on's status when he shared a supposed video of Ohio State's trip to AT&T Stadium for the College Football Playoff Semifinals matchup against Texas in the Cotton Bowl, which appeared to actually be recorded during the team's prior Cotton Bowl appearance in 2023.
Additionally, Ohio State offensive lineman George Fitzpatrick posted, "You don't play here," calling out Davis on one of his since-deleted posts. The Buckeyes will face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday (January 20).
The winner will become the first team to win a national title under the new 12-team format, with Ohio State having last won a national championship during the inaugural four-team College Football Playoff season in 2014.