theinfohub

As the 2025 college football season draws near, the Ohio State Buckeyes have a significant decision looming in the air: who will be the starting quarterback? With the position wide open following the departure of C.J. Stroud to the NFL, Ryan Day, the head coach of the Buckeyes, has made it clear to his quarterbacks that they’ll have to earn it. In fact, Day has sent a message that they’ll have to buy into his vision for the program and their roles in it if they want a chance to succeed.

This message is one that resonates beyond just football. In any competitive environment, there are certain principles that transcend skill and talent, and Day’s warning to Ohio State’s quarterbacks is a direct reflection of that. For the Buckeyes to reclaim their place among the nation’s elite, whoever wins the starting job must understand and commit to a system that emphasizes not just personal ability, but collective trust, discipline, and vision.

### The Context of Ohio State’s Quarterback Battle

Since Ryan Day took over the head coaching job at Ohio State in 2019, he’s seen immense success, particularly at the quarterback position. With future NFL stars like Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud leading the Buckeyes, Ohio State has continued to be one of the most explosive offenses in college football. But now, with Stroud leaving for the NFL, the Buckeyes are left with a highly competitive battle for the starting quarterback position.

As of early 2025, the roster boasts multiple talented quarterbacks: sophomore Devin Brown, a highly-touted recruit who is expected to be a major contender for the role, and Kyle McCord, a redshirt sophomore who was Stroud’s backup. Both quarterbacks bring their own strengths to the table, but neither has yet shown they can take the reins of this high-profile program in a way that secures them the job outright.

Given the competition, it’s no surprise that Day would send a strong message to those vying for the spot.

### The Warning Message: A Call to Buy In

In an early interview in the offseason, Ryan Day made his stance clear when discussing the quarterback competition: the key to earning the starting job is buy-in. Day emphasized that Ohio State’s system, and the program as a whole, requires a commitment to the culture of teamwork, discipline, and accountability. The Buckeyes are no longer a program that operates with a “me-first” mentality—everyone must buy into the vision of the team for it to succeed.

This statement underscores Day’s coaching philosophy: individual success is only meaningful when it contributes to the collective success of the team. It’s an approach that resonates in the most successful football programs, where the egos of star players are subordinated to the common goal. Day has shown that he’s not afraid to make tough decisions when it comes to team dynamics. He wants his quarterbacks—who are often seen as the most visible players on the field—to understand that the role isn’t just about talent; it’s about leadership and the ability to inspire the entire team.

### Why Buy-In Matters

Buy-in is crucial in a competitive environment like Ohio State football for several reasons:

1. **Team Cohesion and Morale**: College football is a team sport, and the quarterback is often regarded as the leader of the team. However, if a quarterback isn’t bought into the team-first culture, it can create divisions within the locker room. A lack of buy-in from the quarterback can lead to fractured relationships with coaches, teammates, and even fans. A leader must be willing to put the needs of the team above personal interests and help rally the team during challenging moments.

2. **Coaching Trust**: Ryan Day’s coaching philosophy requires mutual trust between him and his players. When a quarterback buys into Day’s system and vision, it creates a stronger bond between coach and player. Trust allows Day to lean on his quarterback in crucial moments and give them more responsibility within the game plan. A quarterback who trusts his coach is more likely to execute the offense as designed and make sound decisions when pressure mounts.

3. **Consistency and Adaptability**: The football season is long, with many twists and turns along the way. A quarterback who embraces the “buy-in” mindset is one who can stay consistent, even in the face of adversity. They’re willing to adapt and grow as the season unfolds, which is critical when facing top-tier opponents and navigating unexpected challenges. Buy-in ensures that a player is mentally prepared to weather the highs and lows of the season.

4. **Accountability**: Accountability is a hallmark of Ryan Day’s program, and it applies to all positions, including the quarterback. When a quarterback buys in, they take ownership of their role—not just on the field but off it as well. This means holding themselves accountable for their actions, decisions, and attitude. It means being responsible for their performance in practice, their behavior in the locker room, and their interaction with their teammates. This level of accountability ensures that players are putting in the necessary work and always striving to improve.

### The Quarterbacks at Ohio State: Who Will Buy In?

Now, the question remains: which quarterback will buy in and rise to the occasion?

Devin Brown, the freshman sensation, has the raw talent to be the next big star in college football. His strong arm and athleticism make him a natural fit for a program like Ohio State, which has excelled with dual-threat quarterbacks in recent years. However, the biggest challenge for Brown will be proving that he can buy into the system and handle the mental and emotional demands of leading a major college football program. He’ll need to show he can play within Day’s system and make smart, team-oriented decisions, rather than simply relying on his athletic gifts.

Kyle McCord, on the other hand, is a player who has already been in the system for a few years, learning under Stroud and seeing firsthand what it takes to succeed at Ohio State. McCord has shown glimpses of his ability in limited action, but he’ll need to demonstrate that he’s willing to embrace the leadership role and follow Day’s philosophy completely. McCord’s experience could give him an edge, but his commitment to the team will ultimately decide his fate.

Both players have the talent to succeed in Day’s system, but it will come down to who can show the most buy-in and take ownership of the role.

### The Takeaway: Buy-In is Non-Negotiable

Ryan Day’s warning message to Ohio State’s quarterbacks is clear: buy-in is not optional. For the Buckeyes to thrive in 2025 and beyond, they need a quarterback who understands the broader picture—someone who can lead by example, put the team first, and execute the game plan with precision. It’s a message that transcends football and speaks to the values that Ohio State stands for: teamwork, accountability, and leadership.

For the quarterbacks vying for the starting job, the challenge is not just about skill. It’s about committing to the greater cause, embracing the system, and ultimately proving they have what it takes to lead the Buckeyes to glory. The quarterback who embodies these principles will earn the opportunity to lead the Ohio State offense into the future.

As Ryan Day has made abundantly clear, talent alone will not cut it—it’s about buying in. And that’s a message that every player in the program, not just the quarterbacks, should take to heart.