[Buckskin86]

Devon Lyons and Albert Dukes are attempting to graduate this spring and leave the Ohio State football program, but that wouldn't necessarily mark the end of their college careers.

The NCAA loophole that allows a graduate student to transfer and play immediately closes Aug. 1. If Lyons and Dukes can graduate this spring and enroll in grad school this summer, they presumably could play next season at another school.

Dukes, a Florida native, has been looking at Valdosta State, in Georgia. Lyons' case is more complicated. The Pennsylvania native's father is ill and he is looking into a hardship waiver that would allow him to play closer to home.

If neither graduates before the deadline, there is a chance they will use their final year of eligibility at Ohio State this fall.

The Columbus Dispatch : Bob Hunter commentary: Rumblings