Penn State football’s star tight end Pat Freiermuth will play the 2020 season after all.

Reports swirled last week that Freiermuth would forgo his junior season with the Nittany Lions, although neither himself nor Penn State Athletics confirmed these rumors.

The star pass-catcher cleared the air Wednesday morning by crashing James Franklin’s press conference on the Big Ten Network. The head coach was discussing the conference’s decision to reinstate the fall football season when Freiermuth entered the room to share the news.

“There were some reports out there about me opting out, but I never opted out,” Freiermuth said. “I’m just excited to play football again for Penn State and I can’t wait for the season.”

Freiermuth added that there were “some conversations” about a possible opt out, but he ultimately decided to stay in Happy Valley.

Freiermuth has been extremely effective during his first two years in Happy Valley. The 6’5″, 250-pound tight end came out swinging his first year with Trace McSorley at the helm, scoring eight touchdowns and totaling 368 receiving yards.

His sophomore campaign was just as impressive as his freshman, as he hauled in 43 catches for 507 yards and seven touchdowns. Sean Clifford and the Penn State offense would have sorely missed him had he opted out.

Freiermuth enters this season with high expectations, finding himself near the top of many mock drafts. He was also listed on the preseason watchlist for both the Biletnikoff and Mackey Awards, which recognize the best pass-catcher and tight end in college football, respectively.