Ohio State Buckeyes QB: The Battle for the Starting Job

The Ohio State Buckeyes, one of the most storied programs in college football history, have always had a reputation for producing top-tier quarterbacks. In recent years, the quarterback position has garnered much attention due to the development of talent, high expectations, and the intensity of competition. With the departure of C.J. Stroud, who led the team for several seasons, the Buckeyes are facing an important decision regarding their quarterback situation.

This article takes a deep dive into the current quarterbacks on the roster and their potential to secure the coveted starting job. With new faces in the mix and returning players aiming to prove themselves, there’s a healthy competition brewing for the position. Here, we will explore the potential candidates, their skills, and what the coaching staff looks for in the next starting quarterback for the Buckeyes.

1. The Departure of C.J. Stroud C.J. Stroud, who played for Ohio State from 2020 to 2022, left a lasting legacy at the quarterback position. Stroud’s consistency, leadership, and elite level of play made him one of the top quarterbacks in college football. After declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft, Stroud’s departure opened up a crucial spot for the Buckeyes. His presence in the offense provided stability and helped Ohio State remain in the national championship conversation each season.

Now that Stroud is in the NFL, the Buckeyes are tasked with finding his replacement. The new starter will be expected to continue Ohio State’s high-powered offensive attack, and more importantly, maintain the team’s national title aspirations. The pressure to fill Stroud’s shoes is intense, but the competition for the starting role brings excitement.

2. Meet the Candidates There are several quarterbacks vying for the starting role, each bringing their own set of strengths and weaknesses. Let’s break down the top candidates for the job:

Kyle McCord Kyle McCord, a highly-touted recruit out of St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia, came to Ohio State with big expectations. As a freshman in 2021, McCord saw limited playing time behind C.J. Stroud but had the opportunity to showcase his talent in a few games. McCord’s performance in those games was promising, and many analysts pegged him as one of the top options to replace Stroud.

McCord stands out due to his impressive arm strength and accuracy. His ability to read defenses and deliver the ball with precision gives him the tools to succeed at a high level. However, McCord has yet to prove himself as a starter in a full season, so it will be important to see how he handles the pressure of leading the Buckeyes’ offense.

Devin Brown Devin Brown, another highly-ranked recruit, came to Ohio State with similar hype as McCord. Brown, who played high school football at Corner Canyon in Utah, showed flashes of brilliance in his prep career, earning recognition as one of the best quarterbacks in the 2022 recruiting class.

Brown is known for his athleticism and dual-threat ability. Unlike McCord, Brown has a more dynamic running ability, which allows him to make plays with his legs when things break down. He also possesses a strong arm, but his mechanics still need refinement to be fully effective at the college level.

While McCord’s experience might give him a slight edge, Brown’s unique skill set makes him an intriguing option. His ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground could give the offense a different dimension, and that dual-threat capability may attract the coaching staff’s attention.

Tristan Gebbia Tristan Gebbia, a veteran transfer from Oregon State, also enters the competition with valuable experience. Although he hasn’t played at the highest level in college football, Gebbia’s knowledge of the game and experience in a starting role will certainly give him a leg up in terms of maturity and readiness. However, Gebbia’s lack of elite physical tools might limit his chances to claim the starting job.

Still, his leadership qualities and understanding of the game could make him a valuable asset as the Buckeyes work through the quarterback battle. If the competition between McCord and Brown remains tight, Gebbia could serve as a steady hand to take over if needed.

3. What the Coaches Are Looking For In evaluating the quarterbacks on their roster, Ohio State’s coaching staff will be focused on several key factors: leadership, decision-making, consistency, and physical attributes.

Leadership and Mental Toughness Ohio State’s quarterbacks have always been expected to step up and take charge of the team. The position requires a strong leader capable of rallying the offense and keeping everyone focused. The new starter will need to exhibit mental toughness, particularly in high-pressure situations, as the Buckeyes are often involved in tight games against elite competition.

Both McCord and Brown have demonstrated leadership skills in practices and scrimmages, but the real test will come when the lights are brightest in actual games. Handling adversity, staying poised, and making clutch plays will be critical traits for whoever earns the starting job.

Decision-Making Decision-making is one of the most important aspects of playing quarterback. The Buckeyes’ offense is built on the ability to execute both the short and deep passing game, and the quarterback must make quick, accurate decisions.

McCord has shown a high level of decision-making ability in his limited action, demonstrating the ability to go through his progressions and make smart choices. Brown, on the other hand, has occasionally shown flashes of brilliance but has sometimes struggled with consistency in his decision-making, especially when faced with heavy pressure. How each quarterback performs in practice leading up to the season will likely provide a clearer picture of who is best suited to handle the mental demands of the position.

Consistency and Accuracy The ability to deliver accurate passes consistently is vital for success in the Buckeyes’ system. Both McCord and Brown have the arm strength to make all the necessary throws, but their consistency will be tested on a week-to-week basis.

McCord’s accuracy has been a strength, particularly on intermediate throws, where his touch and precision are evident. Brown’s deep ball is one of his most impressive features, but his overall consistency remains a question mark. If he can develop a more consistent touch on his short and intermediate throws, he could make a strong case for the starting job.

4. Impact of Ohio State’s Offensive System The quarterback competition at Ohio State is also impacted by the offensive system in place. Head coach Ryan Day runs a fast-paced, pass-heavy offense, and the quarterback must be able to execute with precision. Day’s offense often places a premium on quick reads, efficient play-calling, and distributing the ball to a variety of playmakers.

With a strong supporting cast of wide receivers, running backs, and tight ends, the quarterback position will have plenty of help. However, the quarterback must still be able to distribute the ball effectively and make smart decisions within the flow of the game. Ohio State’s system requires a quarterback who can process information quickly and manage the game at a high tempo.

5. The Role of the Offensive Line and Playmakers The Ohio State offense is known for its explosive talent across multiple positions. The offensive line, wide receivers, and running backs are all part of the equation when it comes to determining how successful a quarterback will be. Fortunately for the Buckeyes, their roster is loaded with talent in every position.

Ohio State’s offensive line is consistently among the best in the country, providing stability and protection for the quarterback. With future NFL stars at wide receiver and a dynamic running back corps, the quarterback will not need to do everything alone. The key will be how well the quarterback develops chemistry with the playmakers around him and how effectively he can manage the offense.

6. Preseason Scrimmages and Practices The competition for the starting quarterback job will ultimately be decided by how the candidates perform in the preseason scrimmages and practices leading up to the season opener. Coaches will closely monitor how each quarterback operates under game-like conditions and which player can best execute the offense.

While practice stats and performances can sometimes be misleading, the intensity and consistency shown in these settings will be key in determining who earns the starting spot.

7. The Pressure of Playing for Ohio State One of the most unique aspects of playing quarterback at Ohio State is the immense pressure that comes with the job. The Buckeyes are expected to compete for national championships each season, and the quarterback is often the focal point of the offense.

The quarterback must be able to handle the spotlight, deal with media attention, and play at a high level week in and week out. Both McCord and Brown have the physical tools to thrive under this pressure, but the mental aspect of playing at Ohio State cannot be overlooked.

The Ohio State quarterback battle is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the 2025 season. With several talented candidates vying for the starting role, the Buckeyes will look for a quarterback who can maintain the tradition of excellence at the position.

As the season approaches, the competition will intensify, and the coaching staff will have to make some tough decisions. Whoever earns the starting job will be expected to lead the Buckeyes to another successful season and keep the program in the hunt for a national championship.

With the right balance of leadership, decision-making, consistency, and physical ability, the next Ohio State starting quarterback will have the chance to make a lasting impact on one of college football’s most prestigious programs.