The Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback is expected to rejoin Chip Kelly.
The Ohio State Buckeyes Quarterback is Expected to Rejoin Chip Kelly: A New Chapter in College Football
The world of college football is filled with dynamic coaching changes, player transfers, and high-stakes decisions that keep fans and analysts on the edge of their seats. One of the most exciting developments in the 2025 season is the news that Ohio State’s star quarterback, Tyler Buchner, is expected to rejoin Chip Kelly, the offensive mastermind and head coach of UCLA. This move, expected to unfold in the coming weeks, is a game-changer for both programs and could have a major impact on the future of college football.
Buchner, who had a promising start to his career at Notre Dame before transferring to Ohio State, has emerged as one of the most exciting and dynamic quarterbacks in the nation. Meanwhile, Chip Kelly, whose reputation for transforming offenses is well-known, has become one of the most influential coaches in the sport, renowned for his high-tempo, innovative approach to the game.
The combination of Buchner’s raw talent and Kelly’s offensive genius is one that has the potential to revolutionize the UCLA program. But what does this mean for both the Ohio State Buckeyes and the UCLA Bruins moving forward? How will Buchner’s rejoining of Kelly impact the trajectory of both teams, as well as the broader college football landscape?
Tyler Buchner: A Rising Star in College Football
To understand the magnitude of this move, it’s essential to look at Tyler Buchner’s journey up to this point. Buchner’s high school career at La Jolla Country Day School in San Diego was nothing short of impressive. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound quarterback showed off his cannon arm and ability to make pinpoint throws in tight windows, earning him a four-star ranking and a spot as one of the most sought-after recruits in the 2022 class.
Buchner’s decision to commit to Notre Dame as a top-tier recruit created great expectations for him in South Bend. His time at Notre Dame started with flashes of brilliance, with strong performances in limited action as a freshman. As a sophomore, Buchner was poised to take over as the team’s starting quarterback. Unfortunately, injuries plagued his season, and he missed much of his sophomore year due to a shoulder injury. Despite the setbacks, his potential was clear to anyone watching.
After his time at Notre Dame, Buchner transferred to Ohio State, where the expectation was that he would be the heir apparent to lead the Buckeyes’ offense. In the 2024 season, Buchner impressed in a variety of games, showing his ability to make difficult throws and his mobility in the pocket. Despite his successes, the competition at Ohio State, including the presence of CJ Stroud’s successor, Kyle McCord, and other highly talented quarterbacks, made it unclear whether Buchner would be the long-term starter for the Buckeyes.
This is where Chip Kelly enters the picture. Kelly, known for his revolutionary approach to offense, has a long history of success with mobile, dual-threat quarterbacks — from Marcus Mariota at Oregon to Jalen Hurts at UCLA. Kelly’s system thrives on quarterbacks who can read defenses quickly, make decisive throws, and use their legs to extend plays when necessary. Buchner, with his ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground, fits this mold perfectly.
Chip Kelly and the UCLA Bruins: A Perfect Match for Tyler Buchner
Chip Kelly’s return to prominence in the college football world has been fueled by his ability to develop quarterbacks who can thrive in his high-tempo offense. When Kelly arrived at UCLA, the program was in need of a major overhaul, but it didn’t take long for him to turn the Bruins into an explosive force on offense. Under Kelly’s guidance, quarterbacks like Dorian Thompson-Robinson flourished, taking the program to new heights with a dynamic, up-tempo attack that kept defenses on their heels.
Kelly’s offense is a perfect fit for a quarterback like Tyler Buchner. Known for his innovative, fast-paced system, Kelly’s philosophy revolves around creating mismatches by spreading the field and forcing defenses to make quick decisions. Buchner’s ability to throw on the run, read defenses, and operate out of multiple formations aligns well with Kelly’s approach. More importantly, Kelly’s system gives quarterbacks the freedom to play freely and take advantage of their athleticism — something that Buchner demonstrated in spades at both Notre Dame and Ohio State.
The potential for this partnership between Buchner and Kelly is limitless. With Buchner’s arm strength and mobility, combined with Kelly’s offensive creativity, UCLA could emerge as one of the most explosive offenses in college football. Buchner has the ability to make all the throws — from deep bombs to precise sideline passes — and with Kelly’s system, he will have plenty of opportunities to showcase his skills.
For UCLA, the addition of Buchner could also be a game-changer in recruiting. Top-tier quarterbacks are always attracted to a program that runs a system designed to maximize their skills, and Buchner’s success in Kelly’s offense would send a powerful message to high school recruits that UCLA is a destination for quarterbacks who want to develop and showcase their talents. The Bruins, who have experienced a resurgence under Kelly, could become a powerhouse in the Pac-12 with Buchner at the helm.
Ohio State’s Quarterback Depth and the Impact of Buchner’s Departure
From Ohio State’s perspective, the departure of Tyler Buchner to UCLA will have significant implications for the program moving forward. Ohio State has long been known for its ability to recruit elite quarterbacks, and in recent years, the Buckeyes have become one of the most quarterback-friendly programs in the country. With Justin Fields, CJ Stroud, and Kyle McCord all making waves in the NFL, Ohio State has consistently produced top-tier quarterbacks who have gone on to star in the professional ranks.
While Buchner showed promise in his time with the Buckeyes, his departure leaves Ohio State with a talented but unproven quarterback room. McCord, who has had a solid career at Ohio State, is expected to take the reins as the starter moving forward, but there will be questions surrounding the team’s overall offensive identity without a clear star quarterback like Buchner in the mix. However, McCord’s potential to become a high-level quarterback for Ohio State cannot be understated. With a solid supporting cast of playmakers, McCord is in a prime position to lead the Buckeyes as they continue their dominance in the Big Ten.
Ohio State’s offense, under head coach Ryan Day, has long been built around the quarterback position, and Day’s ability to develop quarterbacks is one of the main reasons why the Buckeyes are considered one of the most consistent programs in the nation. With McCord at the helm and a wealth of talent surrounding him, the Buckeyes will continue to be a force in the Big Ten, even without Buchner.
That said, the loss of a quarterback like Buchner could have ripple effects throughout the program. Ohio State will now be looking for a new face of the offense, and McCord will have the opportunity to prove himself as the next great Buckeyes quarterback. It is clear that Ohio State will continue to be a top-tier program, but the absence of Buchner will mean an increased focus on developing the next star quarterback.
The 2025 College Football Landscape: What Does This Mean for the Playoff Picture?
As both UCLA and Ohio State move forward, the shift in quarterback dynamics has broader implications for the college football landscape, particularly in the context of the College Football Playoff (CFP). For UCLA, the addition of Buchner gives them a legitimate chance to compete for a Pac-12 title, as well as a potential playoff berth, if they can put together a solid season. With Kelly at the helm and a quarterback like Buchner leading the offense, UCLA will be a dangerous team in the Pac-12.
For Ohio State, the impact of Buchner’s departure is less about the overall success of the program and more about the trajectory of their offense in 2025. While the Buckeyes are still a favorite to compete for a CFP spot, the quarterback position will be a focal point of attention. Ohio State will need to quickly develop McCord and ensure that he is ready to lead the team through the grueling Big Ten schedule, as well as the national playoff race.
For both teams, the 2025 season will be a defining one. For UCLA, this is a chance to make a statement under Chip Kelly and demonstrate that they can compete with the elite programs in college football. With Buchner at the helm, the Bruins have the opportunity to turn some heads. For Ohio State, the season will hinge on their ability to transition from one quarterback to the next seamlessly. While McCord has the potential to be an outstanding leader, the Buckeyes’ success will depend on how quickly he can settle into his new role and execute Ryan Day’s system.
