Ohio State Quarterbacks: A Fierce Battle Before the Spring Game

Every college football season at Ohio State is marked by fierce competition, especially for positions that are crucial to the team’s success. Among these positions, quarterback stands out as the most high-profile and critical, given the role the quarterback plays in driving the offense. In Ohio State’s rich football history, the competition for the starting quarterback role has always been a topic of discussion, especially leading up to the spring game. The annual spring game, which serves as a public scrimmage, is one of the most anticipated events of the offseason, where players can showcase their skills, and fans get an early look at the team’s potential.

The competition before the spring game isn’t just a formality—it’s a defining moment for many players, and the Ohio State quarterbacks in 2025 are no exception. With a history of top-tier quarterbacks and high expectations, the pressure is immense for any signal-caller hoping to start for the Buckeyes. This competition has seen numerous future NFL stars, and in 2025, it will undoubtedly feature more talent vying for the prestigious role.

In this article, we will explore the intense quarterback competition before the spring game at Ohio State, considering the historical context, the key players involved, the factors that make this battle so fierce, and what it means for the Buckeyes’ future.

Historical Context: Ohio State and Quarterback Competition

Ohio State has a long history of successful quarterbacks who have played pivotal roles in the team’s victories. From the days of Hall of Famers like Archie Griffin to modern-day stars like Justin Fields and Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State quarterbacks are often expected to perform at the highest level.

In recent years, the competition for the starting quarterback role has intensified, partly because of the system that head coach Ryan Day has implemented since his arrival. Known for a high-powered, spread offense that is quarterback-friendly, Day has managed to attract some of the top quarterback prospects in the country, resulting in an increasingly competitive environment at the position.

Looking back at the past few seasons, Ohio State has seen several notable quarterback competitions. In 2021, the Buckeyes had to choose between C.J. Stroud and Jack Miller, two highly touted recruits. Stroud eventually won the job and went on to become one of the top quarterbacks in the nation. The 2022 competition between Stroud, Kyle McCord, and Jack Miller (who transferred) was another example of how competitive the environment at Ohio State can be for quarterbacks.

The recent success of Ohio State quarterbacks on the national stage has only increased the expectations for the position. Fans and analysts alike are always watching closely to see who will step up to become the next great quarterback for the Buckeyes.

The 2025 Ohio State Quarterback Room

Heading into the 2025 spring game, Ohio State’s quarterback room is filled with talented, high-potential players. At this point, the competition is shaping up to be one of the most intense in recent memory. There are several names to watch, each bringing their own set of skills and experience to the table.

1. Kyle McCord

Kyle McCord, the sophomore quarterback, is arguably the frontrunner for the job heading into the spring game. After backing up C.J. Stroud for two years, McCord has had plenty of time to learn from one of the best in the nation and is now ready to step into the spotlight. McCord, a former five-star recruit, has the physical tools to succeed, including a strong arm and good mobility. His performance in limited action during the 2023 season showed flashes of brilliance, and now, with a full year of experience, he’ll be expected to lead the team.

However, despite his pedigree and experience as a backup, McCord faces stiff competition from other players in the room. He will need to prove that he can handle the pressure of being Ohio State’s starting quarterback. The spring game will be a critical opportunity for McCord to show that he’s ready for the challenge.

2. Devin Brown

Devin Brown, a highly-rated quarterback out of Utah, is another player to watch. Like McCord, Brown has had a year to adjust to the speed of college football, and many believe that his athleticism and playmaking ability could give him an edge in the competition. Brown is known for his dual-threat capability, able to make plays with both his arm and his legs. His mobility could be a significant asset in Ohio State’s offense, as it would add an additional dimension that could make the offense even more unpredictable.

While Brown may have the edge in terms of his athleticism, the question remains whether he can develop the consistency and decision-making required to lead Ohio State to a national championship. His performance in the spring game will go a long way in answering that question.

3. Lincoln Kienholz

A lesser-known name but one with considerable potential is Lincoln Kienholz, a freshman out of South Dakota. Kienholz was a late addition to the 2024 recruiting class, but his potential has turned heads since he arrived on campus. A highly skilled dual-threat quarterback with the ability to make plays on the move, Kienholz is not yet seen as the top contender for the starting job. However, it’s not unheard of for a freshman to come in and make an impact in such a competitive environment.

For Kienholz, the spring game could be a crucial moment to showcase his skills and prove he can compete at the highest level. While he may not win the starting job immediately, a strong performance could set the stage for him to take over the reins in the near future.

Factors Driving the Intensity of the Competition

There are several factors that make the quarterback competition at Ohio State so fierce, and each one plays a role in shaping the dynamic within the team.

1. Ohio State’s High Expectations

Ohio State is one of the premier programs in college football. With a long history of success, the team is expected to contend for national championships year in and year out. The quarterback position is central to that success. In a program with such high expectations, the competition for starting roles, especially at quarterback, is always intense.

Given the success that Ohio State has had in recent years with quarterbacks like Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields, and C.J. Stroud, the bar is set incredibly high for whoever takes the reins next. The incoming quarterbacks must not only possess the physical tools to succeed but also the mental toughness to perform under pressure.

2. Ryan Day’s Offensive System

Head coach Ryan Day’s offensive system is another factor that adds to the competition. Day runs a fast-paced, high-scoring offense that places a significant amount of responsibility on the quarterback. The quarterback must be able to make quick decisions, read defenses, and execute a variety of passing concepts.

Because the system is so quarterback-friendly, it has drawn some of the best quarterback prospects in the country. This, in turn, creates a highly competitive environment as players fight for the starting job in a system that maximizes their potential.

3. The NFL Draft Pipeline

Ohio State quarterbacks are not only competing for a chance to start at one of the most storied programs in college football but also for an opportunity to play at the next level. In recent years, several Buckeye quarterbacks have gone on to have successful NFL careers. The allure of playing at Ohio State and having a chance to prove oneself on a national stage is a major draw for quarterbacks, especially given the program’s history of developing NFL talent.

For the quarterbacks in the 2025 competition, this presents a unique opportunity. The stakes are high, and the pressure to perform well is immense, not just for Ohio State’s success but also for personal career development.

The Spring Game: A Stage for the Quarterback Battle

The spring game, which serves as a public scrimmage in front of fans, is the first major opportunity for Ohio State quarterbacks to showcase their skills. Although it’s a relatively low-stakes game in terms of the regular season, the spring game is still a critical moment for the quarterbacks to make their case for the starting role.

In previous years, we’ve seen quarterbacks rise to the occasion during the spring game and secure their place as the starting quarterback. For instance, C.J. Stroud’s stellar performance during the spring game in 2021 solidified his place as the starter, and the rest was history.

In 2025, the spring game will likely be the first public glimpse of how McCord, Brown, and Kienholz stack up against each other. Fans will be watching closely to see how each quarterback handles the pressure, how they execute in game situations, and how they manage the offense. The performances during the spring game won’t guarantee a starting role, but they will certainly play a significant role in shaping the decision.

The competition for the starting quarterback job at Ohio State heading into the 2025 spring game is as intense as ever. With several talented quarterbacks vying for the position, the stakes are high for each of them, not only for the immediate future of Ohio State football but also for their professional aspirations.

While Kyle McCord is the likely favorite, Devin Brown’s dual-threat ability and Lincoln Kienholz’s potential could make for a very interesting spring game. Ultimately, this competition will be shaped by who can show the most consistency, leadership, and ability to execute in pressure situations.

As Ohio State heads into the 2025 season, the quarterback battle is a key storyline to watch. Whoever comes out on top will have big shoes to fill, following in the footsteps of the great quarterbacks who have graced Ohio Stadium. But for now, the race is wide open, and the spring game will be the next major test in this fierce battle.