The Utah Utes are losing a key piece of their offensive line to the NFL Draft.

Nick Ford, a three-time All-Pac-12 offensive lineman, declared for the draft on Wednesday, He’ll play in the Utes’ Rose Bowl game next week, hoping to put a capper on a decorated five-year career at Utah. He announced the news on Twitter.

“These past couple years here at the U have been nothing short of a dream,” Ford wrote. “To my teammates, thank you. Thank you for all the memories I will cherish for life. You guys made this journey that much better. Glad to call y’all my brothers.

“To my coaches, thank you for the opportunity. Thank you for helping me become the man I am today. you guys were there for me through the good and in the bad times. You guys gave me your word back in 2017 and kept it. You guys have been amazing coaches, father figures, friends, and mentors. You guys will always hold a special place in my heart.

“To the Utah Football staff and crew, I will cherish all of our conversations and shared times. You guys are more than chefs, media, recruiters, janitors, field maintenance, etc. I am blessed to call you guys my friends.

“With that being said, I’m evicted to announce that I will be declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft. I cannot wait to take this opportunity and make the most out of every second!!! Michael, it’s time to go get that super bowl ring!!! First stop, Pasadena, California.”

Ford has started all 13 games this season for the Utes—10 at center and three at left guard. Over his career, he has drawn starts at all five positions on the line and in 39 games overall. He has started every game since 2019, earning first-team all-conference selections in each of the last two seasons.

The San Pedro, California, native will forego his final season of eligibility to enter the Draft. He’s the sixth Ute so far to publicly announce they won’t return next year and instead head to the NFL. Utah (10-3) takes on No. 6 Ohio State (10-2) in the Rose Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 1, at 2 p.m. PT.