After Will Howard leaves, Ryan Day chooses Ohio State’s next quarterback in a hazardous move.

When Will Howard made the decision to leave Ohio State and enter the transfer portal, it marked a significant turning point for the Buckeyes’ quarterback situation. The 2024-2025 offseason had already promised to be an eventful one for Ryan Day, as Ohio State’s head coach faced the challenge of replacing a quarterback who had been seen as the future of the program. Now, with Howard’s departure, Day was forced to make a decision that could shape the Buckeyes’ future for years to come.

The decision to choose Ohio State’s next starting quarterback was never going to be an easy one. With the program’s recent success and national championship aspirations, the Buckeyes need a leader under center who can maintain their high level of play. The pressure was on Day to find someone who not only had the talent but the mental fortitude to lead one of the most storied programs in college football. Day’s decision to make this choice, however, was a risky one, as it would significantly impact Ohio State’s chances at success in 2025 and beyond.

This article will explore the choices Day faced, the potential risks associated with his move, and the quarterbacks who were vying for the starting role at Ohio State, making this an uncertain yet fascinating chapter for the Buckeyes’ future.

The Loss of Will Howard

Will Howard’s departure from Ohio State was both unexpected and disruptive for the Buckeyes. After joining the program as a highly-touted recruit, Howard had spent the previous seasons learning the system and getting acclimated to the pressures of playing for one of college football’s elite programs. His combination of size, arm strength, and mobility made him an attractive option for the future, and many thought he would be the next in line to lead the Buckeyes after C.J. Stroud‘s departure to the NFL.

Howard’s decision to leave, however, threw Ohio State into disarray. While the Buckeyes had depth at the quarterback position, Howard’s exit left a void that would be difficult to fill. Howard had spent significant time in the system, understanding the nuances of Ohio State’s offense, and had built valuable relationships with teammates and coaches. The leadership qualities that Howard had developed were seen as crucial to the team’s success, particularly after a season where Ohio State came so close to a national title.

For Ryan Day, Howard’s exit was a setback, leaving him with no clear heir apparent at quarterback. This put added pressure on Day to make the right call, as Ohio State could not afford to fall behind in the competitive Big Ten Conference, nor in the race for a national championship. With Howard gone, the Buckeyes’ next quarterback would have to be more than just a talented player—they would need to be someone who could step up in critical moments, elevate the team, and handle the immense expectations of playing for Ohio State.

Ryan Day’s Hazardous Decision

When Will Howard left, the decision of who would take over as the starting quarterback for Ohio State fell squarely on Ryan Day‘s shoulders. The Buckeyes had several options in their quarterback room, but none that seemed ready to take the reigns in the way Howard could have. Day had a tough decision on his hands, as the stakes for the 2025 season were incredibly high. The choice would likely have long-term implications for Ohio State’s success in the coming years, so Day needed to proceed with caution.

What made this decision particularly hazardous was the pressure that came with it. Ohio State’s fanbase and alumni expect nothing less than a national championship. The Buckeyes’ program had been in the College Football Playoff conversation year after year, and anything less than a serious shot at the title would be viewed as a failure. The new quarterback had to step in and immediately maintain the program’s elite status. Day knew the risks of making a mistake: a bad decision at quarterback could derail Ohio State’s 2025 campaign and tarnish his own reputation as a coach capable of leading the program to a national title.

Beyond the external pressure, Day’s internal dilemma was complicated by the nature of the quarterbacks he had available. Ohio State had a deep quarterback room, but it wasn’t necessarily overflowing with experience or success at the highest level. Making the right decision would require Day to rely on his instincts, coaching acumen, and knowledge of the players’ talents.

The Candidates for the Starting Job

As the search for a new starting quarterback began, several candidates emerged from the Buckeyes’ quarterback room. While none of them had the extensive experience that Howard had, they all brought unique skill sets and potential to the table. Day had to carefully assess the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate and determine who would give Ohio State the best chance of success in 2025.

1. Kyle McCord: The Prodigal Son

One of the first names to emerge in the quarterback competition was Kyle McCord, a former five-star recruit who had been widely considered one of the top quarterbacks in his class. McCord had spent a couple of seasons learning from C.J. Stroud and Justin Fields, but he had limited game action under his belt. Nonetheless, McCord was viewed as someone with all the physical tools to succeed at the college level—his arm strength, poise, and ability to read defenses made him an intriguing candidate.

McCord’s experience in the system made him an early favorite to win the starting job. While he hadn’t played a lot in meaningful games, McCord had been consistently praised for his high football IQ and leadership potential. However, there were concerns about whether he had the necessary mental toughness to handle the pressure of being Ohio State’s starting quarterback. While he was talented, McCord’s lack of experience in big games raised questions about his readiness to take on the responsibility.

2. Devin Brown: The Dual-Threat Freshman

Another candidate that emerged was Devin Brown, a highly touted dual-threat quarterback who had been committed to Ohio State for years. Brown had an exciting combination of passing and running ability, which made him a versatile weapon for the Buckeyes’ offense. His strong arm and ability to extend plays with his legs gave him a unique edge over other quarterbacks in the room. However, Brown was still relatively untested at the college level, with very little experience against top-tier defenses.

Ryan Day had always been known for his ability to develop quarterbacks, and many viewed Brown as a potential long-term solution for Ohio State. However, with no significant game experience and the pressures of starting for an elite program, Brown’s transition into the role of starting quarterback was far from guaranteed. The question was whether Day would take the risk of handing him the job in his first year or opt for a more experienced option in McCord.

3. J.J. McCarthy: The Michigan Transfer

In an unexpected turn of events, J.J. McCarthy, the highly recruited quarterback from Michigan, entered the transfer portal. McCarthy had impressed during his time with the Wolverines, but with Michigan’s quarterback room being crowded in 2025, he sought out a fresh start elsewhere. The idea of bringing in McCarthy to replace Will Howard raised eyebrows, given the rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan, but his experience as a proven starter in a top-tier program made him an attractive option.

If Day decided to go the transfer route and bring in McCarthy, it would be a risky move—McCarthy would likely need to adapt to Ohio State’s offensive system, and the public relations aspect of bringing in a player from Ohio State’s biggest rival could be a significant issue. Nevertheless, his experience and proven ability to perform in big games made him an appealing option for a program with aspirations of competing for a national title.

The Hazards of the Decision

The decision to name Ohio State’s next starting quarterback was fraught with risks. Ryan Day was well aware of the pressures involved in the decision-making process. He had already lost Will Howard, a quarterback who could have been the face of the program for years, and now Day was being asked to choose between several young quarterbacks, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.

One of the most significant risks was the possibility of choosing a quarterback who wasn’t ready to take on the immense pressure of leading a team like Ohio State. The Buckeyes, with their storied tradition and high expectations, require a quarterback who can handle the spotlight and deliver in critical moments. A failure at quarterback could result in a lack of continuity on offense and derail the team’s championship aspirations. A rash or uninformed decision could damage not only the season but Day’s future at Ohio State.

The move to go with a first-year starter, whether it be McCord or Brown, posed a significant risk. Though both had potential, there was no guarantee that they would be able to develop the way Day hoped. This uncertainty put added pressure on Day to make the right call, knowing that one wrong move could set the program back.

Additionally, if Day chose to go with a transfer like McCarthy, the risks involved were also considerable. The potential distraction of bringing in a rival player, as well as the uncertainty of how well McCarthy would mesh with Ohio State’s offensive system, made this a high-risk option. However, the immediate potential that McCarthy brought to the table was undeniable, and for Day, the trade-off of risks versus reward might have seemed worthwhile.