NEW ORLEANS -- Acknowledging that he's heard the rumors of a potential transfer, Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said Wednesday that he's talked with injured quarterback Braxton Miller and believes Miller will be back with the Buckeyes next season.
A shoulder injury and subsequent surgery in August ended what would have been Miller's senior season. The two-time Big Ten Player of the Year was first replaced by freshman J.T. Barrett, who set the Big Ten's single-season touchdown record. Sophomore Cardale Jones threw three touchdown passes in a 59-0 win in the Big Ten Championship Game after Barrett broke his ankle in the team's regular season finale vs. Michigan.
Meyer said he and Miller "have had conversations" but doesn't expect Miller to transfer.
The Palm Beach Post reported Tuesday that Miller has a list of schools he's interested in via a potential transfer and that Florida State is on that list. That conflicts with what Miller's father told The Columbus Dispatch earlier this month when he said he sees his son returning for one more season at Ohio State.
"Unless something drastic changes, that's his plan," Kevin Miller said. "That's why he went to Ohio State."
Miller graduated from Ohio State earlier this month. If he chooses to transfer to another program, he'll be eligible to play in 2015.
Earlier this season, Meyer said Miller would be Ohio State's quarterback when he returns, but he softened his stance after Barrett got comfortable and led Ohio State to an 11-1 regular season.
"Competition brings out the best, and I'm really excited to have two really good quarterbacks next year," Meyer said in November. "That's the plan. I think they're both (Miller and Barrett) excellent quarterbacks. Excellent quarterbacks. And we'll worry about that day when it comes."
That was before Jones had played a significant snap.
Miller also could enter the NFL Draft. Because he has college eligibility remaining, Miller would have to make that decision by the Jan. 15 early-entry deadline. He could also apply for July's supplemental draft.
A potential transfer would not happen until the end of the spring semester.
Jones has two years of eligibility remaining and Barrett has three. Both have already used redshirt seasons.
Both Miller and Barrett are on the trip. Neither participated in Sugar Bowl Media Day interviews held Tuesday morning. Miller hasn't spoken publicly this season, and it's unclear how far along he is with his rehab.
Miller has been around the team all season and has made multiple trips to Birmingam, Ala., to see Dr. James Andrews, who performed Miller's surgery.
