Redshirt-sophomore quarterback Cardale Jones holds the College Football Playoff National Championship trophy after OSU's 42-20 win against Oregon in the title game on Jan. 12 in Arlington, Texas.  Credit: Mark Batke / Photo editor

Redshirt-sophomore quarterback Cardale Jones holds the College Football Playoff National Championship trophy after OSU’s 42-20 win against Oregon in the title game on Jan. 12 in Arlington, Texas.
Credit: Mark Batke / Photo editor

Just three days after leading the Ohio State football program to its eighth national championship, redshirt-sophomore quarterback Cardale Jones said in a Thursday press conference at the Ginn Academy in Cleveland he is coming back to Columbus for another season.

Jones, who started the last three games of the 2014-15 season for the Buckeyes, led OSU to wins over Wisconsin, Alabama and Oregon en route to Big Ten, Sugar Bowl, and national titles.

In those games, Jones compiled 832 total yards and six touchdowns.

Jones initially won the backup quarterback competition against redshirt-freshman J.T. Barrett in spring practice with senior Braxton Miller sitting out because of surgery, but fell to No. 3 on the depth chart behind Barrett and Miller during fall camp.

After Miller tore the labrum in his throwing shoulder just 12 days before the season opener, Barrett became the starter, making Jones the primary backup.

Barrett went on to become a Heisman Trophy candidate, but fractured his ankle in the regular-season finale against Michigan, paving the way for Jones to make the first starts of his OSU career.

In a performance not many were expecting, Jones threw for 257 yards and three touchdowns against the Badgers without throwing an interception, sparking the Buckeyes to a 59-0 win. He followed up with 243 yards and another score against Alabama to lead OSU to a come-from-behind, 42-35, victory.

Jones capped the 2014-15 season by throwing for 242 yards and a touchdown while adding another score on the ground in a 42-20 win against the Ducks in the title game.

The Buckeyes are set to open their 2015 campaign against the Virginia Tech Hokies Sept. 7 in Blacksburg, Va.