One of the CFP teams with new starting quarterbacks in 2025 is Ohio State, the national champion.
As college football continues to evolve, one of the key storylines in the sport is the shift in leadership at quarterback. The quarterback position is undoubtedly one of the most critical positions in football, and for teams vying for a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP), the ability to find a capable signal-caller can make or break their season. For Ohio State, a team that has been in the national championship conversation for nearly every season over the last decade, the 2025 season presents an intriguing challenge—finding a new starting quarterback after the departure of their previous starter.
The Buckeyes are coming off a successful 2024 season in which they were crowned national champions, but with that success comes a sense of urgency to ensure they can remain at the top. Quarterback transitions are often a source of uncertainty, but Ohio State’s rich recruiting pipeline and strong coaching staff under Ryan Day should make this transition a little easier.
This report dives into the circumstances surrounding Ohio State’s quarterback change, the key players vying for the starting position, what this means for the Buckeyes’ 2025 season, and how the new quarterback could contribute to another national championship run.
The Departure of the Previous Starting Quarterback
As the 2024 season came to a close with Ohio State lifting the national championship trophy, one of the most talked-about topics was the performance of the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback. In 2024, Kyle McCord was the team’s leader under center. McCord had a solid but not spectacular career at Ohio State, with his leadership guiding the team through several pivotal moments, including their playoff appearance and the ultimate victory in the national title game.
However, as the offseason rolled around, McCord announced that he would be declaring for the NFL Draft, seeking to take the next step in his football career. McCord’s decision left a void at the quarterback position for Ohio State, forcing the Buckeyes to search for a new signal-caller. McCord had been a solid contributor to Ohio State’s success, but the team knew that with a talented roster around him, finding a capable replacement was essential to continuing their dominance in college football.
The departure of McCord left Ohio State in a familiar yet challenging position. Over the past decade, the Buckeyes have consistently been able to reload at the quarterback position, with the likes of Justin Fields, Dwayne Haskins, and CJ Stroud leading the way. Now, it was time for the next generation to take over.
The Quarterback Battle for 2025: Who Are the Contenders?
As with any program of Ohio State’s caliber, the competition for the starting quarterback position is intense. Ryan Day has established a reputation for developing quarterbacks, and as a result, the Buckeyes have some intriguing options to choose from in 2025. There are a few names that stand out as potential contenders to take the reins in the upcoming season, each bringing a unique set of skills and attributes to the table.
1. Devin Brown: The Rising Star
Devin Brown, a highly touted recruit in the 2023 class, has been waiting in the wings for his opportunity to start. Brown was a five-star recruit out of Utah and came to Ohio State with a reputation as one of the most dynamic and talented quarterbacks in his class. Brown is known for his strong arm, athleticism, and ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the move. His ability to throw the ball deep, coupled with his mobility, makes him a dual-threat option for the Buckeyes.
In the limited action that Brown saw in 2024, he showed flashes of brilliance. He demonstrated the ability to make every throw on the field, and his poise in high-pressure situations was evident. However, he still needs to improve his consistency and decision-making, which is where the competition with other quarterbacks will come into play.
Brown’s familiarity with the system and his development under Ryan Day will certainly work in his favor as he competes for the starting role. If he can develop his skills in the offseason and show improved decision-making during the spring and summer months, Brown could very well be Ohio State’s starting quarterback in 2025. The pressure will be on him to live up to the lofty expectations that come with being a five-star recruit, but he has the potential to lead Ohio State to another national title.
2. Lincoln Kienholz: The Dual-Threat Freshman
Another name to watch in the quarterback battle is Lincoln Kienholz, a true freshman who comes to Ohio State as one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2025 class. Kienholz, who was a star at the high school level, brings a skill set that could be the perfect complement to Ohio State’s up-tempo, high-powered offense.
Kienholz is known for his dual-threat abilities. Like Brown, he can make plays with both his arm and his legs. He has a strong arm, accuracy on short to intermediate throws, and the ability to escape pressure and create plays with his feet. His athleticism allows him to extend plays outside of the pocket, a quality that is becoming more and more coveted in today’s college football game. However, Kienholz is still a freshman, and adjusting to the speed of the college game will be a major challenge for him.
Despite being young, Kienholz has the tools to make an immediate impact. If he can gain the trust of the coaching staff and continue to develop in camp, there’s a real possibility that he could challenge for the starting role, especially if the coaching staff values his ability to be dynamic and add another layer to the offense.
3. J.T. Tuimoloau: The Athlete Who Could Be Used in a Wildcard Role
While it’s not entirely typical for a defensive player to be included in a conversation about quarterbacks, J.T. Tuimoloau has shown such impressive versatility and athleticism that he’s worth mentioning. The Ohio State defensive end, who was a key contributor for the Buckeyes on defense, has displayed some of the rare skills that could potentially allow him to moonlight as a wild card quarterback option in specific situations.
Tuimoloau’s combination of size, speed, and football IQ has made him an exceptional athlete for Ohio State. His unique skill set could be utilized in some specialized quarterback packages, especially in short-yardage or goal-line situations. While he won’t be starting full-time, don’t be surprised if Ryan Day uses Tuimoloau as a change-of-pace option when the team needs to keep opposing defenses on their toes.
Though not a true candidate for the starting job, Tuimoloau’s presence could still make an impact in key moments, especially if Ohio State looks for an unexpected playmaker who can bring a different dimension to their offense.
What Ohio State Needs from Its New Quarterback
Whoever wins the starting quarterback role for Ohio State in 2025 will have large shoes to fill, especially with the team coming off a national championship victory. The Buckeyes’ offense has long been known for its explosive passing game, and that will not change in the 2025 season. Ryan Day’s offensive system, which has produced some of the best quarterbacks in college football, relies heavily on the quarterback to make quick decisions, read defenses, and push the ball down the field.
For Ohio State, the new quarterback must possess several key attributes in order to lead the team to another title:
- Consistency: One of the most important traits for any quarterback in a championship-caliber program is the ability to perform consistently. Ohio State’s quarterback must be able to distribute the ball efficiently, avoid costly turnovers, and manage the game effectively. Whether it’s Devin Brown or Lincoln Kienholz, whoever earns the starting role will need to demonstrate their ability to make quick, confident decisions and execute the offense at a high level.
- Poise Under Pressure: Ohio State will face some of the most challenging defenses in the country, including fierce rivals like Michigan and Penn State, as well as tough matchups in the College Football Playoff. The new quarterback must be able to remain calm under pressure and deliver when the stakes are high.
- Leadership: The quarterback position at Ohio State has always been one of leadership. The Buckeyes’ new signal-caller must be able to command the huddle, earn the respect of his teammates, and inspire confidence in critical moments. Leadership extends beyond just performance on the field—it also includes the ability to make decisions off the field, manage the locker room, and lead by example.
- Big-Game Performance: Ohio State’s national championship aspirations will be determined by how their quarterback performs in big games. From the regular season finale against Michigan to potential College Football Playoff games, the new quarterback will be called upon to perform in front of the nation. His ability to rise to the occasion in these high-pressure moments will likely determine Ohio State’s success in 2025.
