Ryan Buchanan battled hard for the Rebels starting quarterback job going into the 2015 season.

He ultimately lost to Chad Kelly, who ran away with the job thanks to his outstanding performance in the Rebels’ Sugar Bowl-winning season.

According to a report by Scout’s OM Spirit, Buchanan has decided to leave the Ole Miss team and give up football altogether.

Buchanan sat behind Bo Wallace before losing his chance at the job to Kelly, and now sees recently signed Shea Patterson knocking on the door as the Rebels QB of the future.

He revealed to OM Spirit that it was a decision he had been considering for quite some time:

“I came to the conclusion a few months ago that football would not be my future and it was time to start applying myself 100% to my future. It’s time for me to find my passion beyond football.”

Buchanan revealed the details of telling Hugh Freeze and the Rebels coaching staff about his decision.

“I had a great talk with them. They were very understanding. Nobody asked me to quit, and they told me I could stay. I appreciated that type of feedback and understanding, but I had made up my mind,” Buchanan stated. “We didn’t want to announce this right before signing day because we wanted everyone’s attention to be on that great class the coaches were putting together, but it’s OK now.”

According to the report, Buchanan is on track to graduate with a degree in Managerial Finance next spring.

He says he considered the possibility of transferring to another school for playing time, but ultimately decided against it.

“I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to play football at this great university that I love and will love forever,” he closed. “I got to know many wonderful people and develop lifelong relationships. To my coaches and teammates and fans, thank you.

“Ole Miss will always be a part of my life.”