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Ultimately, only Vernon Gholston decided to leave early.
''There are a lot of things that money can't buy, and some of those things are the experiences of a senior season,'' Laurinaitis said in a statement. ''Going through those things with my teammates next year is what I look forward to the most.''
Laurinaitis is rated as the No. 1 junior linebacker by nfldraftscout.com and almost assuredly would have been a first round pick. That violates Jim Tressel's rule of first round picks should leave early, but certainly Tressel isn't going to quibble. His team just became legitimate contenders to return to the national championship game for a third straight year.
Laurinaitis won the Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker and has registered two straight seasons of over 100 tackles. He was named the Nagurski Award winner, given to the top defensive player, following his breakout season in 2006.
With their middle linebacker back in the fold, Ohio State's losses are minimal heading into next season, when a top three preseason ranking now might be likely. Last Monday night, that didn't seem possible.
In the moments after the 38-24 loss to LSU in the championship game, it seemed all but certain the Buckeyes would lose Laurinaitis, Gholston, Malcolm Jenkins and perhaps Alex Boone and Marcus Freeman to the NFL.
After emotions cooled, all but Gholston have decided to take another run at history.
''I know I can still improve as a player, and I know there is still much more for me and for the Buckeyes to accomplish,'' Laurinaitis said. ''My love for this university, my love for the people of the state of Ohio, and my love for my teammates and friends is so great that I want to stay a Buckeye for another season. You only get to do this once, so I want to take full advantage.''
With so many juniors committed to returning, the Buckeyes' 2008 version returns nearly intact. Offensively, right tackle Kirk Barton is the only significant loss. Defensively, Gholston and Larry Grant are the only starters who won't return.
Offsetting the loss of Gholston should be the return of Lawrence Wilson, who broke his leg in the opener and is the likely replacement at defensive end. Coaches have always been high on Wilson as a pass rush specialist, similar to the role Gholston held last year.
But the biggest -- and most surprising -- of the juniors returning is Laurinaitis. He led the defense with 121 tackles last year. He now has 236 over the last two years.
''I knew the right decision for me was to follow my heart and figure out what's important to me right now,'' Laurinaitis said. ''That's the decision to remain at Ohio State, have a great senior season and graduate with my degree in communications next year. I am very satisfied with that decision.''
So, too, are Ohio State fans.
jlloyd@morningjournal.com
