Ohio State’s Next Quarterback Makes Bold Spring Statement: Stephen Means

Introduction: The Buckeyes’ Quarterback Battle

As Ohio State enters the 2025 football season with aspirations of a national championship, one of the most critical and intriguing storylines of the offseason is the competition to secure the starting quarterback spot. With a roster full of talented players, the Buckeyes have a wealth of options under center, but it’s the emerging name of Stephen Means that has dominated discussions heading into spring practices and beyond.

The quarterback position has always been a focal point for Ohio State. Under the leadership of past quarterbacks like Justin Fields, Dwayne Haskins, and Troy Smith, Ohio State has been able to maintain a high level of play at the most important position on the field. Fields’ electrifying play helped lead the Buckeyes to a College Football Playoff appearance, while Haskins set records and helped elevate the team’s offense to new heights.

Now, as Ohio State looks toward the future, the question remains: Who will step up to become the next great quarterback to lead this powerhouse program? Enter Stephen Means, a player who has quietly made his presence felt over the course of the spring, and his bold statement at the close of the spring practices has everyone in Buckeye Nation taking notice.

The Spring Quarterback Battle: Context and Stakes

Before diving into Stephen Means’ bold statement, it’s important to understand the context of the quarterback competition at Ohio State. After the departure of last season’s starting quarterback, the Buckeyes faced an open competition for the starting job in 2025. The team had multiple options to choose from, including returning players and highly-touted recruits who had arrived on campus with plenty of expectations.

The competition was expected to be fierce, with every player vying for the opportunity to lead the team on Saturdays in front of thousands of fans at Ohio Stadium. Given the high stakes of the Ohio State program, the starting quarterback job was no small task to inherit. The player who wins the job will not only be tasked with managing a potent offense but also with leading a team that has championship aspirations.

As spring practices began, there were a few names that stood out. There was buzz surrounding rising sophomore Malik Jones, a dual-threat quarterback with elite athleticism and a powerful arm. Then, there was redshirt freshman Garrett Taylor, a poised, methodical passer who had impressed coaches in limited action. Both players were expected to be in the running for the starting role.

However, as the weeks progressed, a third name began to emerge in the conversation—Stephen Means, a less-heralded player who had quietly put in the work behind the scenes. Means had flown somewhat under the radar in previous seasons but had taken significant strides during the spring, especially in terms of his confidence, leadership, and playmaking ability.

When the spring practices came to a close, Means did something that few expected—he made a loud, confident statement to solidify his place in the quarterback conversation, and in doing so, he redefined the trajectory of his career.

Stephen Means’ Bold Statement: A New Sense of Confidence

When Ohio State wrapped up their spring practices, Stephen Means had become one of the main talking points. His performance during the spring scrimmages was enough to get people in the media and among Buckeye fans talking about the potential of this emerging quarterback.

What stood out most about Means’ statement was not just his strong play on the field, but also his command of the offense and his ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most. In the final spring scrimmage, Means displayed poise under pressure, navigating Ohio State’s high-octane offense with precision and confidence. He showcased both his ability to make the big play and his ability to take what the defense gave him, always keeping the ball moving down the field.

But perhaps the most notable part of Means’ statement was his demeanor. He was no longer the quiet underdog fighting for a spot on the depth chart—he had embraced his role as a leader. After the scrimmage, Means stood in front of the gathered media and boldly declared that he was ready to lead the team and that he had earned the right to be considered one of the top quarterbacks on the roster.

This statement, while simple, spoke volumes. It was not just about his ability on the field; it was about his belief in himself and his readiness to step up. In a high-profile program like Ohio State, where the spotlight is always on the quarterback, that kind of confidence is vital. Means wasn’t just asking for a chance—he was demanding it, and he made it clear that he intended to take full advantage of the opportunity.

What We Saw on the Field: Stephen Means’ Development

For Means to make such a statement, he had to back it up with his play on the field. And, as it turns out, he did just that. Over the course of the spring practices, Means showed significant improvement in several key areas, earning the respect of both his coaches and teammates.

1. Arm Strength and Accuracy

One of the primary concerns for Means entering spring camp was his arm strength. Coming into Ohio State, he had a reputation as a solid quarterback with good mechanics, but questions remained about his ability to make all the throws required at the college level. However, Means worked tirelessly on his arm strength in the offseason and it paid off during spring practice. He was able to consistently make deep throws with velocity, while also maintaining excellent accuracy on short and intermediate routes.

What was even more impressive, however, was Means’ ability to read defenses. During the spring scrimmages, Means seemed to always know when to go for the big play and when to check down for a safe, manageable gain. His decision-making was spot-on, and it’s clear that the work he had put in with the coaching staff during the offseason had paid off.

2. Mobility and Poise Under Pressure

Another area where Means made significant strides was his mobility. While not the type of dual-threat quarterback like Malik Jones, Means demonstrated an ability to escape pressure when necessary. Whether it was buying time in the pocket or taking off for a critical run, Means showcased his ability to extend plays and make something happen even when the pocket broke down.

This ability to move with poise under pressure allowed Means to keep drives alive and gave the Ohio State offense the ability to attack defenses in new ways. When asked about Means’ mobility, Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline was effusive in his praise, noting that the young quarterback’s ability to keep plays alive gave the offense an added dimension.

3. Leadership and Command

Perhaps the most important aspect of Means’ development was his leadership. The quarterback position is as much about mental toughness and leadership as it is about physical ability. Throughout the spring, Means emerged as a vocal leader, taking charge of the huddle and encouraging his teammates. He exhibited a maturity that belied his experience level, commanding the offense with a calm, steady presence that gave confidence to his teammates.

As he took on more responsibility, Means earned the trust of both his coaches and teammates. That level of trust is essential for a quarterback, and Means proved that he had what it takes to lead this team into the 2025 season. His leadership abilities were one of the key factors in his bold statement at the end of spring camp—he wasn’t just a quarterback; he was a leader ready to take control.

The Impact on Ohio State’s Quarterback Battle

Stephen Means’ bold statement has undoubtedly shifted the dynamics of Ohio State’s quarterback battle. Before spring camp, many believed that players like Malik Jones or Garrett Taylor would be the front-runners for the starting job. However, Means’ performance throughout the spring, coupled with his bold statement of confidence, has thrown a wrench into the conversation. While no official decision has been made, it’s clear that Means is now a serious contender for the starting role.

With his combination of arm strength, accuracy, mobility, and leadership, Means has made a compelling case to be Ohio State’s next quarterback. The competition is still ongoing, and it will likely continue throughout the summer and into fall camp. However, one thing is clear: Stephen Means has firmly established himself as a quarterback to watch in the 2025 season.

Conclusion: The Next Chapter for Ohio State Football

The quarterback position has always been one of the most important for Ohio State, and as the 2025 season approaches, the Buckeyes will be looking for a leader to guide them to another potential national championship. With his bold statement and strong performance throughout the spring, Stephen Means has positioned himself as a top contender for that role. Whether he ultimately wins the job or not, Means has proven that he has the talent, poise, and leadership to be a force at Ohio State.

As the Buckeyes continue to build their roster for the upcoming season, one thing is certain: the quarterback position is in good hands, and Stephen Means’ spring statement has only heightened the anticipation for what’s to come. The battle for the starting job will continue to be one of the most captivating storylines for Ohio State football, and Stephen Means has given Buckeye fans plenty of reasons to be excited for the future.