The Ohio State Buckeyes will have one of the most talented teams in the upcoming EA Sports College Football video game, but they will be without one of their biggest stars as it appears that Ohio State star defensive end JT Tuimoloau has refused to allow his name, image, and likeness to appear in the game.
According to a report from Dan Hope of Eleven Warriors, JT Tuimoloau did not opt into the EA Sports licensing agreement and is not featured on the initial roster for the Ohio State Buckeyes as a result.
“Ohio State defensive end JT Tuimoloau is absent from the Buckeyes’ initial roster for the video game. A source told Eleven Warriors that he chose not to opt into EA Sports’ licensing agreement, which offered players $600 and a free copy of the game in exchange for the right to use their name, image and likeness,” Hope wrote for Eleven Warriors on Monday.
While Tuimoloau is the most high-profile Ohio State player not to appear in the game, Hope reports that there are a few more notable absences: starting left tackle Josh Simmons and backup tight end Jelani Thurman.
It’s not clear whether or not players can opt into the game at a later date.