Former Ohio State recruit Torrance Gibson signs JUCO letter of intent
— -- COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Torrance Gibson's once-promising, turbulent career at Ohio State appears to be over already.
After being suspended for the fall semester, the former five-star recruit signed a junior college letter of intent with Mississippi Gulf Coast on Tuesday, signaling that he won't be returning to the Buckeyes.
The university had suspended Gibson in August for a violation of the student code of conduct, and at the time football coach Urban Meyer publicly disagreed with the discipline.
Ohio State declined to comment on Gibson's future.
"We are looking forward to having Torrance join our football program," Mississippi Gulf Coast coach Chad Huff said in a statement. "We are confident in his abilities on the field and his character off the field, and we expect him to contribute to our team and the Gulf Coast community."
Ohio State also had great expectations for Gibson when he signed after a high-profile recruitment, first as a potential dual-threat quarterback and then as a potentially game-changing wide receiver.
Thanks to a logjam of passers on the depth chart and his dynamic athleticism, Gibson asked for the opportunity to switch to wide receiver after arriving on campus and looked capable of making an impact there with his 6-foot-4 frame.
But the transition did not go smoothly, on or off the field for the Florida native. Gibson never stepped on the field as a true freshman as he struggled to find consistency with his new responsibilities as a wideout. He was also suspended for a game during his redshirt season.
The hype that surrounded his recruitment was renewed during practices in April when Gibson capped off a productive month with six catches for 50 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the spring game. But again, that didn't last long.
Ohio State announced Gibson's semester-long suspension shortly before the season opener.
"It was not from the athletic department or football," Meyer said at the time. "I disagree with it."
Meyer didn't provide any details then on what transpired and what led him to oppose the discipline. Ohio State has still not commented on the nature of the violation.
But nearing the date when Gibson could re-enroll as originally anticipated, it appears the plans have changed.
"As far as his ceiling, he's as talented as anybody I've been around," wide receivers coach Zach Smith said before the season. "The ceiling is extremely high."
Related Stories
ABC News Live