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As one of the most storied programs in college football, Ohio State University (OSU) is no stranger to lofty expectations, particularly when it comes to the quarterback position. The Buckeyes have produced some of the most elite quarterbacks in the history of college football, from Troy Smith to Justin Fields, and as the 2025 season looms large, the question on everyone’s mind is: who will be the next great quarterback for OSU?

In recent weeks, Ryan Day, the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, has been more vocal than ever about the level of performance he expects from his quarterbacks moving forward. Known for his offensive brilliance and his ability to develop top-tier quarterbacks, Day’s blunt comments have raised eyebrows and set the stage for what could be a pivotal season for OSU football.

### The Legacy of Ohio State Quarterbacks

Before diving into Day’s remarks, it’s essential to acknowledge the history that the Buckeyes’ quarterback position holds. Over the years, Ohio State has been home to some of the best quarterbacks in college football, each of whom has left an indelible mark on the program. From the aforementioned Troy Smith, who won the 2006 Heisman Trophy, to Dwayne Haskins, who was a Heisman finalist and set multiple records, Ohio State has long prided itself on having elite quarterbacks under center.

In more recent years, Justin Fields continued that tradition, making a significant impact with his dual-threat abilities and leading the team to a College Football Playoff appearance. Fields’ departure to the NFL left a void that OSU has struggled to fill in the last few seasons. The program has had talented quarterbacks, but none that have yet risen to the level of those who have come before them.

As a result, the pressure on Ohio State’s quarterbacks is immense, and the expectations from both fans and coaching staff are sky-high. Enter Ryan Day, who has had his own success at developing quarterbacks but knows that continuing the legacy of elite play at that position is crucial to Ohio State’s continued success.

### Ryan Day’s Blunt Comments: A Call for Improvement

Ryan Day’s recent comments about the quarterback position have taken many by surprise due to their candidness and clarity. Day has always been a strong advocate for development, but his remarks have suggested that the standard for quarterbacks at Ohio State is higher than ever.

In a recent press conference, Day was asked about the quarterback competition heading into the 2025 season and how he viewed the position. Without mincing words, Day stated, “At Ohio State, we expect our quarterbacks to play at a championship level, and frankly, that has not been the case in recent years. We need more consistency, and we need someone who can elevate the program to where it belongs.”

The bluntness of Day’s remarks highlights a crucial issue for Ohio State: while they’ve remained a top program in college football, their quarterback play hasn’t always matched the same level as the rest of their roster. The last two seasons, despite impressive recruiting classes and a strong offensive line, have seen OSU come up short in critical moments, particularly in high-stakes games against teams like Michigan and Georgia.

Day didn’t stop there. When pressed about his thoughts on the quarterbacks vying for the starting role, he emphasized that the job was still up for grabs. “We have good talent in the room, but that doesn’t matter if they can’t execute when it counts,” Day said. “I’m looking for a quarterback who can lead this team, not just with talent, but with the ability to take control of the offense and make those game-changing plays that we need.”

While Day’s comments may sound harsh, they reflect the high standards that Ohio State fans and coaches expect from the quarterback position. For a program that consistently competes for Big Ten titles and playoff berths, simply having talent at quarterback isn’t enough. OSU needs a quarterback who can not only manage the game but also win it in crucial moments.

### The Pressure on the Quarterback Room

So, what does this mean for the quarterbacks currently on Ohio State’s roster? Simply put, it means that the competition is fierce, and the expectations are even higher. Day’s comments send a clear message that no quarterback will be handed the job based on talent alone. It will be about performance and leadership.

Ohio State has several young quarterbacks who could potentially take the starting role. Among them, Kyle McCord, who has seen some action in the past seasons, is a name that has been circulating as a potential frontrunner. McCord showed flashes of promise in his limited opportunities but struggled with consistency in big games, particularly in the loss to Michigan. Day’s comments suggest that McCord, along with other quarterbacks on the roster, will need to improve significantly if they want to step into the role of Ohio State’s next great quarterback.

Another factor that will influence the quarterback competition is the recruiting class coming in for the 2025 season. Ohio State continues to bring in top-tier quarterbacks, and with another highly rated recruit joining the program, the quarterback room will only get more competitive. However, as Day made clear, talent alone won’t be enough. The new recruits will also be expected to demonstrate leadership and consistency during practices and games.

This level of competition at the quarterback position can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it raises the bar for all the quarterbacks involved, pushing them to reach their fullest potential. On the other hand, it places immense pressure on the players to perform, which can sometimes lead to inconsistency if they’re unable to handle the stress of such high expectations.

### What This Means for Ohio State in 2025

For Ohio State, the quarterback position will undoubtedly be the most critical factor in determining their success in 2025. The Buckeyes have the talent to compete for a national title, but as Ryan Day’s comments suggest, they need a quarterback who can perform under pressure and take control when it matters most.

A standout quarterback will allow Ohio State to unlock its full potential, especially with the talented wide receivers and running backs that are routinely recruited to the program. Ohio State’s offensive system, which relies heavily on a high-powered passing attack, needs a quarterback who can make the necessary throws, read defenses accurately, and remain poised in critical moments.

If Ohio State can secure solid quarterback play in 2025, the Buckeyes will once again be a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten and on the national stage. If they cannot find consistency at quarterback, it could be another year of near-misses in the hunt for a national championship.

### A Step Toward Championship-Level Play

Ultimately, Ryan Day’s blunt comments about the quarterback position reflect his desire to elevate Ohio State to championship-level play once again. As the head coach, he knows that quarterback play is the lynchpin to any successful season, and he is not willing to settle for anything less than the best. The quarterback who emerges as the starter in 2025 will need to embrace this challenge and rise to the occasion, leading the Buckeyes through a tough schedule and into the playoff conversation.

With a strong offensive line, a wealth of talent at the skill positions, and one of the best coaching staffs in the country, Ohio State has the pieces to contend for a national championship. What they need now is a quarterback who can put it all together. Day’s comments make it clear that anything less than excellence will not be tolerated, setting the stage for one of the most closely watched quarterback battles in recent Ohio State history.

For Ohio State fans, the 2025 season is shaping up to be a crucial one, with the quarterback position as the centerpiece of the team’s potential success. As Ryan Day pushes his quarterbacks to meet the highest standards, one thing is certain: the Buckeyes will be gunning for greatness.