ESPN Provides a QB Situation Update for the Ohio State Buckeyes

As the Ohio State Buckeyes gear up for the 2025 college football season, one of the most scrutinized position battles on the roster is that of the quarterback. Ohio State has long been known for producing elite quarterbacks who go on to have successful careers in the NFL. From Justin Fields to Dwayne Haskins to J.T. Barrett, the Buckeyes have set a high bar for their signal-callers. With the departure of C.J. Stroud to the NFL, Ohio State finds itself in a critical moment, with the future of the quarterback position uncertain, but also full of promise. As we head into the offseason, ESPN has provided a comprehensive update on the quarterback situation for Ohio State, breaking down the key players involved, potential starters, and what the Buckeyes can expect from the position in 2025.

The Departure of C.J. Stroud: A Tough Act to Follow

Before diving into the candidates for the starting quarterback job, it’s important to reflect on the legacy of C.J. Stroud, who was Ohio State’s starter for the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Stroud, a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist, was one of the most prolific quarterbacks in Ohio State history. During his tenure, Stroud rewrote the school’s record books, throwing for over 8,000 yards and 85 touchdowns in just two seasons as a starter. His poise in the pocket, accuracy on deep passes, and ability to elevate the play of his teammates were just some of the reasons why he was a consensus top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Houston Texans.

Stroud’s departure left a significant void at Ohio State. The Buckeyes had become accustomed to his exceptional play, and replacing a player of his caliber is never easy. However, head coach Ryan Day and his staff have continued to recruit at an elite level, ensuring that the future of the program would remain in capable hands. Even though Stroud’s departure created uncertainty at the position, the recruiting efforts have set up Ohio State with a group of talented quarterbacks who are ready to step into the spotlight.

The QB Room in 2025: Key Candidates for the Starting Role

Heading into the 2025 season, Ohio State’s quarterback room is one of the most intriguing in the country. The team boasts a combination of highly touted incoming talent and returning players with varying degrees of experience. Here’s a breakdown of the top candidates who are vying for the starting role:

Kyle McCord: The Early Favorite

Kyle McCord, a former 5-star recruit from the class of 2022, is widely considered to be the frontrunner for the starting quarterback job in 2025. McCord came to Ohio State with a wealth of high school accolades and a reputation as a polished, pro-style quarterback. While Stroud was the clear starter for much of McCord’s freshman and sophomore years, McCord got valuable experience in limited action. In 2023, McCord appeared in several games as a backup and displayed a strong arm, good decision-making, and an ability to perform in high-pressure situations.

Though McCord’s playing time has been limited, his potential is undeniable. He has spent two years learning under Day, offensive coordinator Brian Hartline, and quarterbacks coach Corey Dennis, all of whom have developed a reputation for grooming quarterbacks for success at the next level. McCord’s arm strength, deep-ball accuracy, and ability to read defenses give him the tools needed to be a successful starting quarterback for the Buckeyes.

What McCord needs to work on in 2025 is his consistency, especially in big moments. His limited playing time hasn’t allowed him to fully prove himself in a starting role, and there will likely be pressure on him to perform at a high level right away. However, with a year of experience in the system and a wealth of talent around him, McCord has every opportunity to seize the starting role and prove that he can be the next great quarterback at Ohio State.

Devin Brown: The Wildcard with Dual-Threat Potential

Another name that’s been circulating as a potential starter is Devin Brown, a former 4-star recruit from the class of 2023. Like McCord, Brown has the tools to be a successful starter, but he offers something that McCord doesn’t—dual-threat ability. Brown is known for his ability to make plays with his legs as well as his arm, making him a dangerous weapon both in the pocket and on the move.

Brown spent the 2023 season learning under Stroud and developing his skills. His experience in Ohio State’s system gives him an edge over some of the newer quarterbacks, but his dynamic playmaking ability could make him a more exciting option for the Buckeyes. Brown’s athleticism and ability to extend plays are qualities that could complement Ohio State’s offense, which has traditionally featured an explosive, high-tempo attack.

What sets Brown apart is his potential to be a difference-maker in the running game. He has the speed and vision to take off for significant gains, which would add an extra dimension to Ohio State’s offense. His mobility could be especially valuable in critical moments, where his ability to escape pressure and make plays on the move could be the difference between a win and a loss.

Brown is undoubtedly a wild card in the race for the starting job, and his dual-threat ability could make him an ideal fit for Ohio State’s fast-paced offensive system. However, like McCord, Brown will need to prove his consistency, especially in passing situations. If he can refine his passing mechanics and decision-making, Brown could become a formidable leader for the Buckeyes.

The Freshmen: Potential Stars of the Future

While McCord and Brown are the clear favorites to start in 2025, the Buckeyes have also added some exciting young talent to their quarterback room. Two highly touted freshmen—Lincoln Kienholz and Jaden Rashada—will join Ohio State for the 2025 season, adding more competition to the position. Though they may not be expected to start right away, both have immense potential and could play a role in the future of the program.

Kienholz, a 5-star recruit, is known for his strong arm and accuracy. He was one of the most highly recruited quarterbacks in the 2025 class, and his pedigree suggests that he could eventually compete for a starting role down the line. His natural ability and high football IQ will help him transition to the college game quickly. However, it’s important to note that Kienholz will likely need time to adjust to the speed of the Big Ten and the level of competition.

Rashada, a 4-star recruit, is another name to keep an eye on. Though he may not be as highly ranked as Kienholz, Rashada has the physical tools to succeed at Ohio State. He’s known for his accuracy and decision-making and could surprise people with his rapid development. While it’s unlikely that either freshman will immediately leapfrog McCord or Brown for the starting job in 2025, their presence ensures that Ohio State will have a stable of quarterbacks for years to come.

What ESPN Says: The Expectations for 2025

ESPN’s analysis of Ohio State’s quarterback situation paints a picture of an offense with great potential but also questions about who will emerge as the true leader. While McCord is the clear frontrunner, the dual-threat ability of Devin Brown makes him an intriguing option. The presence of talented freshmen adds to the competition but also signals the future of the position.

Strengths of the QB Room:

• Depth and Talent: Ohio State is stacked with talent at quarterback. Both McCord and Brown bring different skill sets to the table, and the coaching staff will have the ability to tailor the offense to the strengths of whoever wins the job.
• Elite Coaching: Ryan Day has proven time and time again that he is capable of developing top-tier quarterbacks. Whether it’s Fields, Haskins, or Stroud, Day has a track record of success with signal-callers, and this coaching prowess will be invaluable in developing the next great Ohio State quarterback.
• Talent Around the QB: Ohio State’s skill position players, especially at wide receiver, are among the best in the country. With a strong supporting cast, the new quarterback will have plenty of weapons at their disposal to make plays.

Concerns for 2025:

• Inexperience: Despite the talent at the position, neither McCord nor Brown has significant starting experience. While both have played in high-pressure situations, leading Ohio State to victory on a consistent basis will be a tall task, especially with the stakes so high in 2025.
• Consistency: The starting quarterback will need to prove that they can execute the offense with consistency. Both McCord and Brown have shown flashes of brilliance but need to work on maintaining that level of play throughout an entire game or season.
• Big-Game Performance: The Buckeyes will face stiff competition in the Big Ten and beyond, so whoever starts at quarterback must be able to rise to the occasion in big games. Ohio State has national championship aspirations, and the quarterback will be key to achieving those goals.

 A Bright Future for Ohio State’s Quarterback Position

The Ohio State Buckeyes’ quarterback situation is both exciting and uncertain. With Kyle McCord, Devin Brown, and a pair of talented freshmen leading the charge, Ohio State is in a strong position to continue its tradition of elite quarterback play. While McCord is the early favorite, the dual-threat potential of Brown and the future promise of Kienholz and Rashada ensure that the position will be highly competitive for years to come.

ESPN’s update on the situation shows that the Buckeyes are in good hands moving forward. Whether McCord or Brown emerges as the starter in 2025, Ohio State has the tools and coaching to continue its dominance in college football. As the season approaches, Buckeye fans will anxiously await the decision on who will lead the offense, knowing that no matter the outcome, Ohio State will be prepared to contend for championships in the coming years.