Ohio State's J.T. Barrett returning for senior season

Ohio State's offense will have its leader back next season, as J.T. Barrett announced Wednesday he's returning for his senior campaign.

Barrett threw for 2,555 yards and 24 touchdowns for the Buckeyes this season, adding 845 yards and nine scores on the ground.

While many would consider his 2016 campaign a success, the numbers didn't match his incredible output during his freshman year in 2014. The Texas native burst onto the scene with 2,834 yards passing and 34 touchdowns while also compiling 938 yards and 11 scores on the ground in Ohio State's national championship-winning season.

Barrett's prospects as an NFL passer took a hit in 2016, as he struggled down the stretch when facing top-quality defenses. He averaged a paltry 112 yards passing in the final three games, and couldn't lead the offense to any points in a 31-0 drubbing at the hands of Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl.

Barrett's next challenge will be fitting into the Buckeyes' new offense, which will reportedly be led by former Indiana head coach Kevin Wilson.