Marshall University Athletics
Marshall Safety Jahsen Wint Declared Eligible By NCAA
8/31/2023 3:30:00 PM | Football
Former Ohio State safety will play first game in 1,386 days on Saturday
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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall safety Jahsen Wint walked onto the Thundering Herd football team not knowing what his future may hold.
Despite the unknowns, the Brooklyn, New York, native remained steadfast in his passion for football, working every day to be prepared in case he was granted a second chance to play the game he loves.
On Thursday, Wint received that second chance after being granted an additional year of eligibility by the NCAA.
Now, Wint is preparing to suit up on Saturday for the Thundering Herd – his first game in 1,386 days since he last suited up for Ohio State.
"It's probably going to hit me when I get on the field or in the pre-practice before the game," Wint said. "It's going to be special. I'm excited to get to suit up with my brothers."
Wint's journey to Huntington was not an easy one. It was one built on faith, passion for football and a belief that truth would prevail.
After playing for Ohio State from 2016-19, Wint endured a lengthy legal battle that started in 2020 but was delayed for more than three years due to COVID-19 and other factors.
Once the legal process was finally heard in court, Wint was fully exonerated, acquitted of all charges by a jury who deliberated for only three hours after a trial that lasted just three days. His record was expunged and he was also reinstated by Ohio State and awarded his undergraduate degree.
With the legal process behind him, Wint walked on to Marshall's football team, paying his own way for one last chance to pursue his football dreams – a dream that was re-established on Thursday by the NCAA after consistent coordination between the compliance offices of the NCAA and Marshall Athletics.
"In a time when the NCAA is under extreme scrutiny, they were very diligent in examining the information we were able to gather and present on Jahsen's behalf, and they were able to ultimately come to a decision that was in the best interest of the student-athlete while keeping the integrity of their guidelines and protocols in place," Marshall head coach Charles Huff said. "This goes to show that with proper collaboration, communication and foresight, we can be great here at Marshall and create opportunities for young men like Jahsen to create value for themselves."
When Jahsen (pronounced JAH-sen) Wint got a call from Marshall Associate AD of Compliance Sean Tuttle on Thursday, he admitted that a range of emotions went through his mind as he made the walk to the Shewey Building.
"Everything went through my head," Wint said. "The whole way here, I was just wondering what would happen. I was having hope that everything would be good, but in your mind, you always wonder, 'What if it doesn't?' Emotions just started to build and I was crying halfway on my walk down. I saw Sean standing there and he told me the news. It was like a huge weight was off my shoulder – boulders were lifted."
Marshall Director of Athletics Christian Spears said seeing Wint's determination and perseverance throughout the uncertain times showed maturity as the process played out.
"When a young person is able to manage adversity and maintain a positive attitude and exhibit patience and understanding during a difficult situation, you are able to see and witness individual growth and development," Marshall Director of Athletics Christian Spears said. "I have literally seen Jahsen develop new skills that will serve him well, not only here at Marshall, but wherever he goes in his life. In addition, the example he has set for the team and the attitude he maintained throughout has been positive and impactful."
Wint said he was appreciative of Marshall for sticking by him through the waiver application and added that the meaning of family that is spoken of at Marshall has shown itself a bit more distinct throughout this process.
"It feels good to be wanted and appreciated," Wint said. "The reaction and love they showed once we found out shows the faith they had in me and what they see in me. Marshall took me in with open arms and stood beside me the whole way. At Marshall, you can feel that. This is really a family."
The addition of Wint gives Marshall another weapon in an already-loaded defense that finished No. 6 in interceptions and No. 8 in total defense in 2022.
The 6-0, 200-pound safety will be playing in his first game since suiting up against Rutgers on Nov. 16, 2019. Wint will wear No. 23 for the Herd.
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