Ohio State Buckeyes’ QB Competition Is Becoming Unsettling

The Ohio State Buckeyes, one of the most prestigious and successful programs in college football, are entering the 2025 season with a serious question mark at the quarterback position. As the Buckeyes prepare to compete for another Big Ten title and College Football Playoff berth, the quarterback situation is one of the team’s biggest storylines heading into the year. After the departure of star quarterback C.J. Stroud, who led the Buckeyes to multiple playoff appearances and set numerous records, the team has found itself in an unfamiliar and unsettling position—an unsettled quarterback competition.

Quarterback is one of the most important positions in college football, and the Buckeyes have long been blessed with elite talent under center. But as Ohio State embarks on a new era without Stroud, the quarterback competition has become a source of anxiety for fans, coaches, and players alike. Several players are vying for the starting job, but none have yet established themselves as the clear favorite. As the spring game approaches and training camp looms, Ohio State faces uncertainty at one of the most crucial positions on the field.

The Background: The Departure of C.J. Stroud

To fully understand the gravity of the situation, it’s important to look back at the era of C.J. Stroud. Stroud, who was a consensus first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, left behind a legacy that is difficult to replace. He shattered numerous records during his time at Ohio State, including setting the single-season passing yards record and leading the Buckeyes to multiple playoff appearances. Stroud was a perfect fit in the Buckeyes’ high-powered offense, and his leadership on and off the field made him one of the most respected quarterbacks in college football.

Stroud’s departure left a significant void in the Ohio State quarterback room. With no clear successor ready to step into the starting role, the Buckeyes are left to navigate one of the most important decisions in their quest to return to the College Football Playoff. While there is no shortage of talent in the quarterback room, the lack of a clear-cut starter has created an air of unease around the program.

The Candidates: A Field of Contenders

As Ohio State moves into 2025, there are several quarterbacks competing for the starting job. Each of them has their own strengths and weaknesses, and none has fully separated themselves from the pack. The following are the leading candidates for the role:

1. Kyle McCord

Kyle McCord, a redshirt sophomore, is often considered the favorite to win the starting job. McCord has spent the past two seasons as the backup to Stroud, gaining valuable experience in practice and appearing in several games. While he hasn’t had the opportunity to start a full season, McCord has shown flashes of brilliance during his limited time on the field. His arm strength and ability to make all the necessary throws are undeniable, and he has the physical tools to be successful in Ohio State’s offense.

However, McCord has not yet proven that he can be consistent at a high level. In his appearances, he has struggled at times with accuracy and decision-making, particularly under pressure. His performance during the spring and fall camps will be critical in determining whether he can rise to the occasion and take control of the starting job.

2. Devin Brown

Devin Brown, a highly touted recruit from the class of 2023, has quickly made a name for himself in Ohio State’s quarterback room. Known for his mobility and playmaking ability, Brown brings a different dimension to the Buckeyes’ offense compared to McCord. He has the ability to extend plays with his legs and make off-platform throws, making him a dangerous weapon in both the passing and running games.

While Brown’s athleticism and improvisation skills are impressive, he has yet to show that he can be a consistent passer at the college level. His decision-making will be under intense scrutiny, as Ohio State’s offense relies heavily on precision passing and quick decision-making. Like McCord, Brown will need to prove himself in both practice and game situations before he can be named the starter.

3. Tristan Gebbia

Tristan Gebbia, a graduate transfer from Oregon State, adds an interesting dynamic to the quarterback competition. Gebbia brings a wealth of experience to the table, having spent several years as a starting quarterback in the Pac-12. His experience and leadership are invaluable, and he could provide a steady presence in the pocket for the Buckeyes.

However, Gebbia is not as physically gifted as McCord or Brown, and he may lack the elite arm strength and mobility that Ohio State typically looks for in a quarterback. Still, his experience in high-level college football could give him an edge in terms of preparation and understanding of the game. If he can prove that he can execute Ohio State’s offense efficiently, he could make a push for the starting job.

The Unsettling Nature of the QB Battle

As the competition drags on, the unsettling reality for Ohio State is that none of the candidates have been able to take control of the starting job with a commanding performance. This is unusual for a program like Ohio State, which has historically been able to develop elite quarterbacks and secure a clear starter early in the offseason. In years past, quarterbacks like Stroud, Dwayne Haskins, and JT Barrett were able to separate themselves early on, leaving little doubt about who would be under center for the Buckeyes.

The current competition, however, is far from clear. The uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position has led to questions about Ohio State’s offensive identity in 2025. The Buckeyes are known for their dynamic passing attack and high-scoring offense, but that could be at risk if the quarterback play is inconsistent. With an early-season showdown against a tough opponent, the team will need to quickly settle on a starter who can lead them to victory.

The Impact on the Team

The uncertainty at quarterback has rippling effects throughout the Ohio State program. While the defense and skill positions are loaded with talent, the success of the offense—and by extension, the entire team—depends on the quarterback’s ability to perform at a high level. The offensive line, which is one of the best in the country, is primed to protect a capable quarterback, but without a clear leader under center, the Buckeyes’ offensive rhythm may suffer.

The wide receivers are another group that will be directly impacted by the quarterback situation. Ohio State boasts a wealth of talent at the receiver position, with names like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka ready to break out. However, even the most talented receivers can struggle to put up big numbers without consistent quarterback play. The Buckeyes will need a quarterback who can get the ball to these playmakers in space and give them opportunities to shine.

The running back position is also a question mark, though the Buckeyes are expected to rely heavily on their running game in 2025. While a strong running game can help take the pressure off the quarterback, it will be difficult to establish a consistent ground game if the defense doesn’t respect the passing attack. This puts even more pressure on Ohio State’s quarterback battle to be resolved quickly.

The Pressure on Ryan Day

As head coach of Ohio State, Ryan Day is no stranger to the pressure that comes with coaching one of the most successful programs in college football. Day has led the Buckeyes to multiple playoff appearances and a national championship game, but the quarterback position is critical to his continued success. Ohio State fans expect excellence, and anything less than a national title contender in 2025 will be seen as a disappointment.

Day has done a tremendous job of recruiting elite quarterbacks, but the pressure is now on him to develop one of the current candidates into a star. The Buckeyes’ offense is built around a quarterback who can execute the game plan to perfection, and Day’s ability to develop a young signal-caller will be key to the team’s success.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are no strangers to high expectations, but heading into the 2025 season, the uncertainty at quarterback is creating an unsettling feeling around the program. With several talented quarterbacks vying for the starting role, it remains to be seen who will emerge as the leader of Ohio State’s high-powered offense. While the talent is certainly there, it’s unclear whether any of the contenders will be able to meet the high standards set by previous Buckeyes quarterbacks.

As the spring and fall camps unfold, Ohio State fans will be eagerly awaiting a resolution to the quarterback competition. The Buckeyes’ season may very well hinge on the success of whoever wins the job. In the meantime, the unsettling nature of the quarterback battle looms large, and the pressure is mounting for Ryan Day and his coaching staff to find the right man for the job. The quest for another national title begins with finding the right quarterback—something that is becoming increasingly difficult to predict.