Oregon CB Ekpre-Olomu confirms he will return to school

Oregon defensive back Ifo Ekpre-Olomu will follow in the footsteps of quarterback Marcus Mariota and return to school for one more shot at a national championship, the school announced Monday.

The announcement has been rumored since late December.

"The two main factors related to my decision to return were my continued progression as a person and a player, and I felt Oregon was my best option to achieve those goals and improve my situation for next year," Ekpre-Olomu said in an official statement.

"I should be able to finish my degree by next fall, possibly by the end of the summer. Football is only one phase of who I am; my degree will be forever. Secondly was my ability to make an impact and become a top (draft) pick, and I felt staying one more year would only help me."

Had Ekpre-Olomu declared for the NFL Draft, the All-American likely would have been a first-round selection.