The Ohio State Buckeyes are no strangers to high-level quarterback play, with a history of producing some of the best quarterbacks in college football. From the electric Braxton Miller to the NFL-bound Justin Fields, and even the recent success of C.J. Stroud, the quarterback position has always been a point of strength for the Buckeyes. But as the 2025 season approaches, Ohio State finds itself preparing for a new era under center, one that could be defined by the fierce competition between a group of talented, but young quarterbacks.
The Buckeyes are in a bit of uncharted territory this season. After the departure of C.J. Stroud, who was a Heisman finalist and now a first-round pick in the NFL draft, Ohio State enters the year with a quarterback room that is as talented as it is unproven. This competition, which has been generating a lot of buzz this offseason, pits several young quarterbacks against each other, all eager to step into the spotlight and lead one of college football’s premier programs.
### A New Era Begins
As spring camp gets underway, the conversation around Ohio State’s quarterback competition centers on the potential and promise of players like Kyle McCord, Devin Brown, and the incoming freshmen. Each of these quarterbacks brings something unique to the table, and there is no shortage of excitement surrounding the future of the position.
Kyle McCord, a rising junior, has the most experience of the bunch. He spent the last two seasons learning behind C.J. Stroud, and he has already seen significant playing time, including in blowout victories where he was able to showcase his arm strength and decision-making ability. As a five-star recruit out of Philadelphia, McCord arrived at Ohio State with high expectations, and now is his chance to prove he can lead this team.
On the other hand, Devin Brown, a sophomore from Utah, has shown tremendous upside as a dual-threat quarterback with excellent mobility and a strong arm. He was highly recruited out of high school and has drawn attention for his ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the move. Brown’s athleticism and ability to stretch the field could give Ohio State a different look compared to McCord’s more traditional pocket-passing style.
Then, of course, there’s the future. With Ohio State bringing in talented freshman quarterbacks, including top recruit Air Noland, the competition is expected to be fierce for years to come. Noland, who boasts impressive high school numbers and a slew of accolades, is eager to make an impact, even as he faces the challenge of transitioning from high school to the demanding level of Big Ten football.
### ‘I’m Excited to Watch Them Grow’
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the position, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has expressed nothing but confidence in his young quarterbacks. His excitement isn’t just about their individual abilities but about the development that will unfold over the course of the season. “I’m excited to watch them grow,” Day said in a recent interview. “This is a very talented group of quarterbacks, and they all bring something different to the table. It’s going to be fun to see how they develop throughout the year.”
Day, who has overseen the development of some of the nation’s top quarterbacks during his tenure at Ohio State, understands that the quarterback position is crucial to any team’s success. And while he acknowledges the youth of his quarterbacks, he remains optimistic about their potential to rise to the occasion. He also understands that competition breeds success. With the stakes as high as they are at a program like Ohio State, each quarterback will be pushed to be their best, and the inevitable learning curve could pay off in the long run.
The quarterback competition will undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about storylines of Ohio State’s 2025 season. Each quarterback will have to prove themselves in practice, in scrimmages, and eventually in live game action. Whoever emerges as the starter will have the enormous responsibility of leading a team that has national title aspirations, but they will also have the support of a coaching staff that is dedicated to their development.
### The Importance of Patience
As talented as McCord, Brown, and the other quarterbacks are, one thing that needs to be emphasized is the importance of patience. College football is a fast-paced, pressure-filled environment, and while young quarterbacks can certainly thrive, they also need time to adjust and develop their skills at the highest level. In fact, many of Ohio State’s recent quarterbacks—Justin Fields, Dwayne Haskins, and C.J. Stroud—all had moments of growing pains before hitting their stride.
For McCord and Brown, it’s crucial that they not only focus on refining their skills but also on learning how to manage expectations. The Ohio State fanbase is passionate and expects nothing short of greatness, but the young quarterbacks will need time to adjust to the spotlight. Ryan Day has built a culture at Ohio State that emphasizes long-term development, and that approach will be key as the Buckeyes figure out who their leader will be.
On top of that, the quarterback position doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Ohio State’s offense, though stacked with talent, will also rely on a strong running game, elite receivers, and a solid offensive line. Whoever wins the starting job will be surrounded by talented playmakers, which will make their job easier. However, they’ll need to develop chemistry with the receiving corps, particularly with star wideouts like Marvin Harrison Jr., who will be one of the best in the country. Building that trust and understanding between quarterback and receiver will be a crucial part of the team’s offensive growth.
### Looking to the Future
While the competition at quarterback is certainly the main focus in the short term, Ohio State’s long-term future at the position looks promising as well. With several young quarterbacks already on the roster and more coming in the pipeline, the program’s ability to continue producing elite quarterbacks is not in question. This deep and talented quarterback room ensures that Ohio State will remain a powerhouse in the Big Ten and on the national stage for years to come.
Moreover, the continued development of McCord, Brown, and others will serve as a foundation for the future. While the immediate focus is on who will be the starter this season, it’s clear that Ohio State’s quarterback situation is as healthy as ever. In the coming seasons, it will be interesting to see how this competition shapes the future of the program.
### Final Thoughts
The quarterback competition at Ohio State is heating up, and the excitement surrounding this young group of players is palpable. With talented quarterbacks like Kyle McCord and Devin Brown in the mix, the Buckeyes are poised to maintain their reputation for excellence at the position. As Ryan Day so aptly put it, he’s “excited to watch them grow,” and Buckeyes fans should feel the same. Whether it’s McCord’s poise, Brown’s dual-threat ability, or the contributions of future quarterbacks, Ohio State’s quarterback competition is one of the most intriguing storylines of the 2025 college football season. As the competition plays out, one thing is for certain: the Buckeyes are in good hands for the foreseeable future.
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