Ohio State QB Draws Major Comparison to Former Buckeyes Star

As Ohio State continues to remain one of the dominant forces in college football, its quarterbacks often become the center of attention. Over the years, the Buckeyes have produced several notable quarterbacks who have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL. With that, the expectations for the next quarterback to take the reins in Columbus are high, and the comparisons to past stars are inevitable.

In 2025, Kyle McCord, the presumed starting quarterback for Ohio State, has quickly become one of the most talked-about players in college football. His performance on the field, combined with his leadership and development in the offseason, has led many analysts to draw comparisons to some of Ohio State’s legendary quarterbacks. The most significant comparison comes to Justin Fields, the former Buckeyes star, now a starting quarterback for the Chicago Bears. Both players share several similar traits that make these comparisons not only natural but possibly prophetic for McCord’s future.

As McCord prepares for his first season as the full-time starting quarterback, it’s time to take a deeper dive into the similarities between McCord and Fields, and why many believe that McCord could follow in Fields’ footsteps to stardom in college football—and possibly even the NFL.

The Rise of Kyle McCord: From Backup to Starting QB

Kyle McCord entered Ohio State as a highly touted recruit out of St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Rated as a five-star recruit and one of the top quarterbacks in the nation, McCord was expected to be a future star for the Buckeyes. However, like many young quarterbacks, McCord had to bide his time behind C.J. Stroud, one of the best quarterbacks in recent Ohio State history.

Stroud, who eventually became a first-round pick in the NFL Draft, had a stellar career in Columbus, making McCord’s path to the starting job a little more challenging. But McCord’s patience and growth under Stroud’s tutelage allowed him to prepare for his moment in the spotlight.

In 2024, McCord had limited playing time as a backup, but when called upon, he showed flashes of the talent that made him such a highly regarded prospect. His arm strength, ability to read defenses, and poise in the pocket were all areas that were evident in his limited appearances.

Heading into the 2025 season, McCord was named the starting quarterback, and expectations immediately skyrocketed. Ohio State has a legacy of producing high-caliber quarterbacks, and McCord had big shoes to fill. Fortunately, he wasn’t without the tools to succeed. With a roster filled with talent, including standout receivers and an elite offensive line, McCord had the pieces in place to replicate the success of previous quarterbacks.

The Justin Fields Comparison: What Makes Them Alike?

It didn’t take long for pundits and analysts to start drawing comparisons between Kyle McCord and Justin Fields, the former Ohio State star quarterback who enjoyed a sensational career in Columbus before making the jump to the NFL. Fields’ time at Ohio State was marked by explosive plays, incredible athleticism, and a dynamic passing ability that kept defenses on their toes.

Here are some of the most striking similarities between McCord and Fields that are fueling the comparisons:

Arm Strength and Accuracy

Both McCord and Fields share similar traits when it comes to their ability to make all the throws required at the quarterback position. Fields’ arm strength was one of his most notable attributes during his time at Ohio State, and McCord has similarly impressed scouts with his strong arm.

Fields consistently displayed the ability to make deep throws with ease, and McCord, who has an equally strong arm, has shown that he can do the same. During practice sessions, McCord’s ability to stretch the field with deep balls has garnered attention. Like Fields, McCord is also known for his accuracy on intermediate and short throws, especially when timing and placement are crucial.

One of the biggest challenges for quarterbacks at the next level is maintaining accuracy while also having the power to throw deep passes consistently. McCord seems poised to replicate Fields’ success in this area, which is one of the major reasons scouts are high on his potential.

Athleticism and Mobility

While McCord may not be as dynamic as Fields when it comes to mobility, he has the ability to extend plays with his legs—something that is becoming a hallmark of successful modern quarterbacks. Fields’ ability to make plays outside the pocket, whether with designed runs or improvised scrambles, is one of the defining aspects of his game. McCord, while not yet known for his rushing ability to the same extent, has demonstrated excellent mobility and the ability to evade pressure in the pocket.

As a dual-threat quarterback, McCord has the ability to keep defenses on edge. His capability to break tackles or move the chains with his legs, combined with his strong throwing ability, makes him a dangerous weapon. If McCord can continue to develop his mobility in the same way that Fields did, he could become a major threat in the quarterback run game, just as Fields was for the Buckeyes and is now for the Bears.

Leadership and Poise

Another crucial comparison between McCord and Fields lies in their leadership abilities and mental makeup. Fields was a leader on and off the field during his time at Ohio State, guiding his team with confidence and composure. McCord, even in his limited playing time as a backup, has shown the same leadership qualities.

In interviews and reports from the Ohio State coaching staff, McCord’s maturity and poise in the locker room have been mentioned as important aspects of his character. While some quarterbacks falter under the pressure of leading a major college football program like Ohio State, McCord appears to embrace the challenge. Fields, too, showed tremendous poise during his time at Ohio State, often remaining calm during high-pressure situations, and McCord’s ability to keep his cool bodes well for his success.

Both quarterbacks also possess a strong work ethic and an understanding of the game. McCord has shown the same level of dedication to his craft that Fields did, continually refining his mechanics and focusing on becoming more well-rounded. This tireless work ethic is an important aspect of both players’ journeys, and it will be a key factor in McCord’s ability to follow in Fields’ footsteps.

Pro-Style Passing Scheme

While Ohio State has been known for its explosive offense and uptempo pace, Fields and McCord both have the ability to thrive in a pro-style passing system. Fields’ success at Ohio State came not only from his athleticism but from his ability to make quick reads and operate within the system. Similarly, McCord has demonstrated a quick grasp of offensive schemes, including a solid understanding of the playbook and the ability to make intelligent decisions under pressure.

McCord’s success in a pro-style system is crucial for his future success, especially if he follows Fields into the NFL. Teams in the NFL look for quarterbacks who can execute a pro-style offense, which places a premium on quick decision-making, accuracy, and the ability to read defenses. McCord’s development in this area has been closely watched, as many analysts believe he could be a perfect fit for an NFL team looking for a high-ceiling quarterback.

What Lies Ahead for McCord?

As McCord steps into his role as the starting quarterback at Ohio State, there is a sense of optimism surrounding his potential. While the comparisons to Justin Fields may seem lofty, they are not without merit. McCord’s raw talent, combined with his work ethic and leadership, positions him well to have a successful career at Ohio State and, eventually, in the NFL.

However, while the comparisons are flattering, McCord is not Justin Fields. He is his own player, and while there are parallels, McCord will need to carve out his own path to success. The pressure on him to perform as the next great Ohio State quarterback is immense, and he will face challenges along the way. Ohio State’s offensive line will play a key role in helping McCord succeed, and his supporting cast of talented receivers will need to consistently perform at a high level.

For McCord, the road ahead is filled with expectations. But if he can live up to the hype and continue developing his skills, there’s a strong chance that he will not only emulate Justin Fields’ success but perhaps even surpass it.

 The Legacy of Ohio State QBs

In many ways, McCord’s journey mirrors the legacy of Ohio State quarterbacks, which has seen an impressive string of success stories. From Troy Smith to Dwayne Haskins to Justin Fields, the Buckeyes have consistently produced NFL-caliber quarterbacks.

For McCord, the opportunity to carry on this legacy is both exciting and daunting. Drawing comparisons to Fields, a quarterback who has already made his mark at the NFL level, provides motivation but also raises the bar for McCord’s performance. As the 2025 season progresses, McCord will have the opportunity to prove he is ready to carry the torch for Ohio State—and if he does, he could become the next great Buckeyes quarterback in a long line of exceptional talent.