Michigan State defensive end Jacub Panasiuk announced on Wednesday that he will redshirt the upcoming season due to coronavirus concerns.
Panasiuk has started the last two seasons for the Spartans. Last season, he finished with 34 tackles and five sacks.
“Our country is facing difficult times with many unanswered questions regarding COVID-19,” Panasiuk wrote. “Unfortunately, with the uncertainty of the effects of COVID-19, I cannot risk my health and safety in order to play football this season.”
A number of college football players have opted out over the last week, most notably Minnesota wide receiver and projected first-round pick Rashod Bateman.
On Wednesday morning, West Virginia safety Kerry Martin announced that he was sitting out the season because he didn’t feel it was safe to play “while there’s a virus that we have no forms of a cure or know the long term effects (sic) of the virus as many athletes are currently having heart and other respiratory problems.”
The NCAA directed schools on Wednesday to allow players to opt out due to concerns about contracting coronavirus and that their scholarship commitments must be honored.
The Big Ten announced plans for the upcoming season on Wednesday, including a 10-game conference-only schedule that would begin as early as September 5.