.@YahooSports Exclusive: Cincinnati's Desmond Ridder says he will return to the Bearcats next season. With 15 starters back and a possible Top 10 preseason ranking, @GoBearcatsFB will again be in the CFP conversation. Big day for Cincinnati. https://t.co/fdQ99phxxT
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 8, 2021
Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder told Yahoo! Sports on Friday that he will be returning to school and forgoing the 2021 NFL draft.
Ridder, who just finished up his redshirt junior year, played a huge role in the Bearcats’ undefeated regular season. He finished the 2020 season with 2,296 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, and a completion percentage of 66.2. He also proved to be dangerous on the ground, rushing for 592 yards and 12 touchdowns on 91 carries.
Prior to his decision to return to school, Ridder was widely viewed as a potential Day 2 pick. His decision serves as a blow to the depth of the upcoming quarterback class, but it aids a 2022 draft class that projects to have a crowded race for the top quarterback spot. With another strong season like he had this year, Ridder could find himself in first-round conversation.
