Joe Burrow needed the preseason to win the starting quarterback job at LSU, but he long ago won over former teammates at Ohio State.

Earlier this week, coach Ed Orgeron named Burrow the starter following a competition with Myles Brennan. Orgeron said Burrow demonstrated a strong work ethic, “true leadership and an ability to command of the offense.”

Soon after Burrow was named the starter, several of his former Ohio State teammates showed genuine excitement and happiness for him. And pointed out that they long ago believed he would be successful.

The Tigers open their season at 7:30 ET on Sunday night against Miami in Dallas on ABC. Because Ohio State will play Saturday against Oregon State, Burrow’s former teammates should be free to watch and, no doubt, cheer him on in his purple and gold debut.

As a Buckeye, Burrow played in 10 games and completed 29 passes for 287 yards and two touchdowns, with 53 yards and a TD. He has two years of eligibility remaining.

Here’s a collection of tweets from Burrow’s incredibly supportive former teammates:

https://twitter.com/mikeweberjr/status/1034222526392487936

https://twitter.com/Lastname_Baker/status/1034183118805258240