Ryan Day of Ohio State Has High Hopes for the 2025 QB Competition
Ryan Day of Ohio State Has High Hopes for the 2025 QB Competition
As the college football world transitions into the 2025 season, few storylines are garnering as much attention as the quarterback battle at Ohio State University. Under the leadership of head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes are positioned to have one of the most intriguing quarterback competitions in recent memory. Known for his offensive prowess and ability to develop quarterbacks into NFL prospects, Day has seen a great deal of success with previous quarterbacks like Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud, who have both made significant marks in the college football landscape and gone on to professional success.
With the 2025 season on the horizon, Day is facing a unique challenge: replacing C.J. Stroud, who led the Buckeyes to two College Football Playoff appearances and was a top draft pick in the NFL. While Stroud’s departure leaves a significant void, Ryan Day and the Ohio State coaching staff are embracing the challenge of identifying the next leader of the Buckeyes’ high-powered offense. In a program with a rich history of elite quarterbacks, the competition to become Ohio State’s starting signal-caller is expected to be fierce, and Day has high hopes for the next man up.
In this article, we will delve into the key elements of the 2025 quarterback competition, examine the candidates vying for the role, and explore Ryan Day’s vision for his quarterbacks in the upcoming season. The discussion will touch upon the history of Ohio State quarterbacks under Day’s guidance, the expectations surrounding the 2025 season, and how Day’s offensive philosophy will shape the development of the next generation of Buckeyes quarterbacks.
The Legacy of Ohio State Quarterbacks Under Ryan Day
Before diving into the current quarterback competition, it’s important to take a step back and appreciate the legacy of quarterbacks that Ryan Day has helped shape during his tenure at Ohio State. Since becoming the head coach in 2019, Day has worked with some of the most talented quarterbacks in the country, and his system has proven to be a launching pad for their careers.
Justin Fields, who transferred from Georgia, enjoyed two incredible seasons under Day’s guidance. Fields led Ohio State to the College Football Playoff in 2020 and finished as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. His ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground made him one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the nation. After his time in Columbus, Fields was selected by the Chicago Bears with the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Following Fields, C.J. Stroud took over as Ohio State’s starting quarterback in 2021 and continued the trend of elite quarterback play under Day. Stroud, another highly touted recruit, threw for over 8,100 yards and 85 touchdowns in his two seasons as the Buckeyes’ starter. His ability to distribute the football to a talented group of wide receivers and make accurate throws down the field helped Ohio State maintain its place among the nation’s top programs. Stroud’s leadership and poise in big games made him a top prospect for the NFL, and he was drafted second overall by the Houston Texans in the 2023 draft.
With the legacy of Fields and Stroud fresh in the minds of fans and analysts alike, Ryan Day is tasked with continuing the tradition of high-level quarterback play at Ohio State. The question on everyone’s mind is who will emerge as the next star quarterback to lead the Buckeyes in 2025.
The Candidates for the 2025 Quarterback Competition
Ohio State has several intriguing candidates vying for the starting quarterback position in 2025, each bringing a unique set of skills and attributes to the table. While the competition will unfold over the course of the spring and summer leading into the season, here’s an overview of the top contenders:
Kyle McCord
One of the most talked-about quarterbacks in the 2025 competition is Kyle McCord, a former five-star recruit who has spent the last few years as a backup to Stroud. McCord’s decision to stay at Ohio State despite the quarterback competition speaks to his confidence in his abilities and his belief that he is ready to take over as the starter.
McCord has already shown flashes of brilliance in limited action during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. While he has not been the full-time starter, he has demonstrated strong arm talent, the ability to read defenses, and the leadership qualities needed to excel in a high-pressure environment. McCord’s time as Stroud’s backup has also given him valuable experience in Day’s system, preparing him to step in seamlessly as the starting quarterback.
In 2024, McCord had a few key moments in games where he proved his potential, especially when he had to fill in for Stroud in spot duty. His ability to make quick decisions and his comfort in Day’s offense give him a strong advantage in the competition. With a full offseason to prepare, McCord will be looking to show that he can take the reins and lead the Buckeyes back to the College Football Playoff.
Devin Brown
Another quarterback vying for the starting role is Devin Brown, a highly touted recruit who joined Ohio State in the 2023 class. Brown has impressed coaches with his athleticism, mobility, and arm strength. Known for his dual-threat ability, Brown can make plays with his legs as well as his arm, which adds a dynamic element to Ohio State’s offense. His ability to extend plays and make off-platform throws could make him a perfect fit for Day’s fast-paced, high-scoring offense.
Brown’s development will be crucial as he continues to adjust to the speed and complexity of college football. However, his talent and potential make him one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in the 2025 competition. Brown has shown a lot of promise in practice and in limited game action, and many believe he has the upside to become a star in Day’s offense.
The Freshman Recruits: Emmett Johnson and More
Ohio State’s recruiting class for 2025 also includes some promising quarterback talent. Emmett Johnson, a four-star quarterback from the 2025 class, has already been pegged as one of the top recruits in the nation. Known for his exceptional football IQ and leadership skills, Johnson is seen as a future star who could make an immediate impact at Ohio State. However, given his status as a freshman, it may take some time for Johnson to acclimate to the college game and work his way into the starting conversation.
While Johnson may not be the favorite to start in 2025, his arrival signals that Ohio State is continuing to recruit elite quarterbacks who could eventually take over the offense. Whether he has a chance to compete for the starting role in 2025 or not, he will undoubtedly be a player to watch as he develops within the program.
Ryan Day’s Offensive Philosophy and Quarterback Development
Ryan Day has become synonymous with high-powered, innovative offenses that maximize the potential of his quarterbacks. His offensive system is designed to make life easier for quarterbacks by focusing on quick reads, efficient passing, and creating mismatches with dynamic wide receivers. Day’s track record of developing quarterbacks into NFL-caliber talents speaks volumes about his ability to get the best out of his signal-callers.
In the 2025 season, Day will look to continue this tradition while also adapting to the specific strengths of whichever quarterback wins the starting job. Whether it’s McCord’s accuracy and poise, Brown’s athleticism and playmaking ability, or the development of a young recruit like Johnson, Day’s system will adjust to fit the strengths of the quarterback.
Day’s ability to adapt his offensive scheme to the quarterback’s strengths is one of the reasons why Ohio State’s quarterback competition is so exciting. Unlike some programs that try to force a square peg into a round hole, Day understands that every quarterback is unique and must be utilized in a way that brings out their best qualities. This flexibility is a hallmark of Day’s coaching philosophy, and it will be crucial as he shapes the future of the Buckeyes’ offense.
The 2025 Season: Championship Aspirations and Expectations
As Ohio State enters the 2025 season with a new quarterback at the helm, the expectations remain high. The Buckeyes are a program that is always in contention for a Big Ten title and a College Football Playoff berth, and this year will be no different. The quarterback competition will be a focal point of the season, but it is just one piece of the puzzle. Ohio State has a wealth of talent across the roster, including a strong offensive line, elite wide receivers, and a defense that should be among the best in the nation.
However, the quarterback position remains the most important, and Ryan Day understands that the Buckeyes’ success in 2025 hinges on who emerges as the starter and how quickly they can acclimate to the demands of leading Ohio State’s offense. The quarterback must be capable of making big-time throws in critical moments, managing games effectively, and leading the team through the inevitable highs and lows of a tough season.
The Buckeyes’ hopes for a national championship are tied to their quarterback play, and Day is confident that whoever wins the starting job will be ready to lead Ohio State to the next level.
