After a trio of teammates chose to leave Ohio State early for the pros, one starter on the defensive line flipped the script.

Redshirt junior defensive end Tyquan Lewis will return to school for his senior season in 2017, according to ESPN's Adam Rittenberg.

Ohio State defensive end Tyquan Lewis will return for his senior season. Lewis was named the Big Ten's defensive... https://t.co/hPloWCYrBb — Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) January 5, 2017​​

Lewis was the 2016 Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year award recipient as the Big Ten's best at his position and a first-team All-conference performer. Many thought he would leave Columbus for the NFL, just as Malik Hooker, Gareon Conley and Raekwon McMillan all announced earlier this week.

A two-year starter, team captain and often forgotten star on Ohio State's defensive line, Lewis led the Buckeyes in sacks the last two seasons. He recorded half a sack to push his 2016 total to 8.0 in Ohio State's 31-0 loss to Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl. Lewis also had 8.0 sacks last season.

Lewis is the second defensive end to announce he will return to school, joining redshirt sophomore Sam Hubbard.

An Ohio State spokesman said he has not heard or seen anything from Lewis regarding his future plans.