What a former Buckeye said regarding the next starting quarterback and reloading Ohio State’s secondary: The Buckeye

As Ohio State football continues its tradition of excellence, the focus shifts to two key areas for the upcoming season: the search for the next starting quarterback and the challenge of reloading the Buckeyes’ secondary. These are two of the most pressing concerns for the program, and their resolution will likely determine Ohio State’s trajectory as it looks to contend for another national title. In a recent interview, a former Buckeye player shared valuable insights on both of these critical areas, drawing from his experiences as both a player and a fan of the program.

In this piece, we will delve into the former Buckeye’s thoughts on Ohio State’s quarterback battle, which is expected to be one of the most closely watched competitions in the country, and the daunting task of restocking the secondary after the departure of several key players. The insights shared by this former player, who experienced the highs and lows of college football at Ohio State, offer a unique perspective on how the Buckeyes can continue to thrive in these pivotal positions.

The Search for the Next Starting Quarterback

The Ohio State Buckeyes have been blessed with a series of elite quarterbacks over the past decade, including names like Justin Fields, Dwayne Haskins, and J.T. Barrett. Each of these quarterbacks brought something unique to the table, and their success helped solidify Ohio State’s place as one of the premier programs in college football. However, with the departure of C.J. Stroud, who was the team’s starting quarterback for the past two seasons and a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2023, the Buckeyes face the challenge of finding a new leader under center.

In his interview, the former Buckeye emphasized how crucial the next quarterback is for Ohio State’s continued success. “Ohio State has a tradition of having great quarterbacks,” he said. “From Haskins to Fields to Stroud, we’ve seen some amazing talent, and now it’s time for the next guy to step up. The expectations are always high at Ohio State, and the next quarterback has to embrace that challenge.”

The quarterback battle for the Buckeyes heading into the 2025 season is expected to be a tightly contested one. Ohio State has a wealth of talent in the quarterback room, with multiple players vying for the starting job. The most talked-about candidates are sophomore Kyle McCord and freshman Devin Brown. Both quarterbacks have shown flashes of brilliance in their limited action, but neither has had the chance to fully prove himself as the starter.

The former Buckeye stressed the importance of experience and poise in the quarterback position, particularly given the high stakes at Ohio State. “The quarterback at Ohio State is the face of the program,” he explained. “It’s not just about physical talent; it’s about leadership, composure, and being able to perform under pressure. Whoever earns the starting job needs to be able to handle the expectations of playing in front of tens of thousands of fans and handling the spotlight that comes with playing at Ohio State.”

Kyle McCord, a former five-star recruit, is seen as the frontrunner in the competition. McCord has been in the system for two years and has had opportunities to gain valuable experience as Stroud’s backup. He has impressed coaches with his arm strength, decision-making, and ability to read defenses. His performance in spring practices and fall camp will likely determine if he’s ready to take on the starting role.

However, the former Buckeye also acknowledged that Devin Brown, who was a highly touted recruit in his own right, has the potential to push McCord for the job. Brown has a similar skill set to McCord but brings a slightly different dynamic with his mobility and ability to extend plays with his legs. “Brown has the ability to create plays on his own,” the former Buckeye said. “That’s a quality that can make a huge difference, especially in critical moments when the pocket breaks down.”

Regardless of who wins the starting job, the former Buckeye emphasized that it’s not just about individual talent. “Ohio State has a system that’s designed to make quarterbacks successful,” he said. “It’s about understanding the offense, making quick decisions, and distributing the ball to the playmakers around you. The next quarterback at Ohio State doesn’t need to do it all himself. He just needs to trust the system and rely on his teammates.”

Reloading Ohio State’s Secondary

While finding a new starting quarterback is the headline story for Ohio State football, reloading the secondary is an equally important task. The Buckeyes’ secondary has been one of the most reliable units in recent years, but with the departure of key players like Denzel Burke, Cameron Brown, and Ronnie Hickman, Ohio State faces a challenge in replacing their experience and leadership.

The former Buckeye reflected on the importance of the secondary in Ohio State’s defensive scheme, noting that a strong defensive backfield is essential to competing at the highest level in college football. “The secondary is the last line of defense,” he explained. “If you can’t stop the big plays and defend against the passing game, it’s tough to win championships. Ohio State has always had great defensive backs, and it’s critical to reload and keep that tradition alive.”

One of the biggest challenges facing Ohio State’s defensive staff is replacing the leadership and talent that departed with the seniors. However, the former Buckeye expressed confidence in the program’s ability to reload. “Ohio State is a place that attracts top-tier talent,” he said. “They’re not going to have trouble finding new guys to step in and make plays. The key is making sure those new players get up to speed quickly and adapt to the expectations of playing for Ohio State.”

The Buckeyes have several promising young players who will compete for starting spots in the secondary. Players like Ja’Had Carter, who transferred to Ohio State from Syracuse, and freshmen like Kye Stokes and Jyaire Brown are expected to play important roles in the defensive backfield. Carter, in particular, is a player the former Buckeye highlighted as someone to watch. “Carter has the potential to be a big-time player for Ohio State,” he said. “He’s got the physical tools, and he’s got the experience from playing at a Power Five school. He’s going to be a key contributor in the secondary.”

The former Buckeye also pointed out the importance of developing depth in the secondary. Ohio State has been fortunate to have a stable of talented defensive backs in recent years, but in order to be successful over the course of a full season, they will need depth to withstand injuries and rotations. “The secondary has to be deep, especially with the way offenses are spreading the field these days,” he said. “You need fresh bodies who can step in and play at a high level when called upon.”

The Mentality and Culture at Ohio State

As the Buckeyes search for their next quarterback and reload their secondary, the former player emphasized the importance of the program’s culture in shaping the team’s success. “Ohio State is a place where everyone expects to win,” he said. “There’s a mentality here that you don’t back down from any challenge. The players know that when they put on that helmet, they’re not just representing themselves – they’re representing the entire tradition of Ohio State football.”

The mentality of accountability and discipline is ingrained in every aspect of Ohio State’s program. Whether it’s on the field or in the weight room, the Buckeyes are taught to compete at the highest level and to prepare for every challenge. “The coaches here don’t let you slack off. They push you to be your best every day,” he explained. “That’s why Ohio State has been so successful. The players buy into the culture, and that’s what allows them to reload and keep competing at the top of college football.”

The former Buckeye also noted that the leadership within the program, particularly from the coaching staff, will play a key role in maintaining the Buckeyes’ success. “Coach [Ryan] Day has done an incredible job of keeping the program on track. He’s brought a lot of stability and a lot of energy,” he said. “The next quarterback and the new secondary players will be pushed to develop under his leadership, and that’s why I’m confident that Ohio State will be ready to compete for another national championship.”