Ohio State is losing basically their entire WR group from the 2015 season, but the Buckeyes will be bringing back at least one familiar face. The NCAA has awarded Corey Smith a medical redshirt, per Urban Meyer, meaning he will be able to return to Ohio State next season.

Smith only played in four games for Ohio State before suffering a season ending leg injury, and typically, those who only play in four games are in good shape for earning a redshirt. But Smith was also suspended for the season opener, and would have played otherwise, which would have put him over the threshold, leading some to speculate that the NCAA would not approve his request.

Smith caught five passes for 62 yards in 2015, and had 20 catches for 255 yards in 2014. Given the huge amount of attrition Ohio State is experiencing at wideout, Smith will be the most experienced pass catcher on the roster, and a favorite to get a high number of targets from J.T. Barrett.

Ohio State will certainly be looking to get many other young players highly involved in the offense next season. Look for Noah Brown, Parris Campbell, K.J. Hill, Torrance Gibson, Curtis Samuel and more to carry the slack. But with Smith, Ohio State has a dependable option that has the potential to be a number one wideout on a successful team, and at the very least, given them another solid option.

If Smith returns and plays at a high level, the ceiling for this Ohio State team just grew today.