One factor, driven by an unexpected source, will determine Ohio State’s quarterback competition in 2025.

The Ohio State Buckeyes football program has long been one of the most prestigious in college football, known for its explosive offense, relentless defense, and ability to recruit some of the best talent in the country. One of the most anticipated aspects of the 2025 season will be the competition at the quarterback position, a spot that has produced Heisman Trophy winners, national champions, and NFL stars. However, as Ohio State looks ahead to the next chapter in its storied history, one unexpected factor is quietly taking center stage—something that will likely determine who leads the offense in 2025.

While most would expect the competition to be defined by performance on the field—arm strength, accuracy, decision-making, leadership—there’s another layer to the story that could prove even more pivotal than anyone expects. The influence of the transfer portal and the emergence of talented, yet unheralded, quarterbacks from other programs is changing the way Ohio State approaches its QB competition. A source of depth, disruption, and unexpected opportunities, the transfer portal has upended traditional recruitment paths and is poised to play a huge role in determining the quarterback competition at Ohio State in 2025.

Ohio State’s quarterback competition is not solely about the players already on the roster, but also the influx of talented transfers who might challenge for the starting spot. In this rapidly evolving landscape of college football, where experience and maturity often outweigh raw talent, the transfer portal presents an opportunity for the Buckeyes to find their next leader under center. This article will examine the potential impact of the transfer portal on the 2025 quarterback competition and how it could change the dynamics within Ohio State’s locker room and beyond.

The Transfer Portal’s Impact on College Football

Before delving into how the transfer portal will affect Ohio State’s quarterback battle, it’s important to understand how it has reshaped the landscape of college football. The NCAA’s introduction of the transfer portal in 2018 has significantly altered how players approach their careers. The portal has provided players with more freedom to move between programs, and it has led to a growing trend of quarterbacks transferring to schools where they have a clearer path to playing time. As a result, programs like Ohio State have seen an influx of transfers from both within and outside of their conference, some of whom have been immediate contributors.

The transfer portal has leveled the playing field in many ways. It used to be that top schools like Ohio State would simply recruit top-tier quarterbacks out of high school, developing them over the course of several years. While this model remains effective, the portal offers another avenue for success. Instead of waiting for a recruit to develop, Ohio State can look to experienced quarterbacks from other programs who may be a better fit for the immediate needs of the team.

For Ohio State, a school with national title aspirations every season, the pressure to win now means that the Buckeyes cannot afford to wait several years for a quarterback to develop. This pressure is one of the primary reasons why the transfer portal has become such a valuable tool for Ohio State’s coaching staff.

The State of Ohio State’s Quarterback Room in 2025

As of 2025, the quarterback room at Ohio State is set to undergo a transformation. Kyle McCord, the presumed starting quarterback for the 2024 season, will have completed his time in Columbus, and a new generation of signal-callers will be vying for the starting job. This includes both returning players and incoming recruits, all of whom will be looking to seize the opportunity to become the next great quarterback at one of the nation’s most storied programs.

1. Devin Brown – The Returning Hopeful

One of the leading candidates to take over the starting role is Devin Brown, a highly rated recruit who arrived at Ohio State with a lot of expectations. Brown, known for his athleticism and impressive arm strength, has already displayed flashes of brilliance in limited action as a backup to McCord. However, his development is still in progress, and there are questions about his consistency and ability to lead an offense at the highest level. As Brown enters the 2025 season, he will need to prove that he can take the next step and solidify his place at the top of the depth chart. If he struggles or falls behind in development, he could find himself in a fierce battle for the starting job—especially with outside competition looming.

2. Incoming Freshman – The Future Star?

Ohio State has long been known for bringing in elite recruits, and 2025 is no exception. With a talented class of incoming freshmen, one of whom may be a highly coveted quarterback, the Buckeyes will have yet another wild card in the competition. Freshmen quarterbacks can often surprise early on with their talent and poise, but taking over the starting job as a first-year player is rare, especially at a program with the high expectations of Ohio State. Nonetheless, if a freshman quarterback enters and impresses early in spring practice or fall camp, they could force their way into the conversation.

However, this would require an immediate leap to the next level of development, and Ohio State’s coaches would need to feel confident in the freshman’s readiness for high-stakes competition.

The Wild Card: Transfer Portal Quarterback

While Brown and any incoming freshman may have a strong case for the starting job, there’s another factor that could drastically shift the quarterback race: a transfer quarterback.

Why a Transfer Makes Sense for Ohio State

The potential arrival of a transfer quarterback is a scenario that has become increasingly common across college football. It’s no secret that Ohio State has developed a reputation for its potent offense, and its quarterback position is highly attractive to transfers looking for immediate playing time at a major program. The Buckeyes have already seen success with transfers in the past, and 2025 could be the year where a transfer quarterback solidifies the offense and ensures a seamless transition after McCord’s departure.

With the high level of competition in the Big Ten and Ohio State’s aspirations for a national title, the pressure to win now might lead the coaching staff to consider a transfer quarterback who can step in immediately and lead the team to success. A transfer quarterback would not only bring experience but also the chance to help Ohio State quickly find stability at the most important position on the field.

Potential Transfer Candidates: The Possibilities Are Endless

The idea of landing a transfer quarterback is a scenario that could change the landscape of Ohio State’s 2025 season. There are several quarterbacks from across the country who could enter the portal and potentially land at Ohio State. Some of these quarterbacks may come from smaller programs where they have shown flashes of brilliance, while others may come from high-profile schools looking for a new challenge.

A transfer quarterback would have several advantages: experience, maturity, and often a better grasp of reading defenses and making quicker decisions. While it’s impossible to predict which players might enter the portal, recent history shows that some of the best quarterbacks in the country—such as Jalen Hurts, Justin Fields, and Joe Burrow—have transferred from one program to another and gone on to great success. Ohio State’s offensive system and talent-rich roster could be a perfect fit for a transfer quarterback looking to showcase their abilities on a national stage.

The Shift in College Football’s Recruiting Landscape

The emergence of the transfer portal has shifted the landscape of college football recruiting. Programs like Ohio State no longer have to solely rely on traditional recruiting methods, which can sometimes take years to develop players into their full potential. The ability to acquire experienced players through the portal provides an immediate impact and gives programs a chance to compete at the highest level right away. This is a luxury that Ohio State’s coaching staff will not take lightly.

Ohio State’s elite talent base, combined with their national championship aspirations, makes them an ideal landing spot for transfer quarterbacks looking to make an immediate impact. The Buckeyes have everything that a transfer quarterback could want—an elite offense, a championship pedigree, and a chance to compete for a national title.

Conclusion: The Transfer Portal’s Role in Shaping the 2025 Quarterback Battle

As Ohio State prepares for the 2025 season, one unexpected factor looms large in determining the starting quarterback: the transfer portal. While Devin Brown and any incoming freshmen will certainly be key players in the competition, the possibility of a transfer quarterback joining the mix could shift the entire dynamic.

The transfer portal has changed the way college football teams approach their roster management, and Ohio State is in a prime position to take advantage of this new era. With the right transfer quarterback in place, the Buckeyes could quickly solidify their position as one of the top teams in the country.

At the same time, the competition will not be easy. Whether it’s Brown, a freshman, or a transfer, each quarterback will need to prove they have the tools and leadership qualities necessary to succeed at Ohio State. With high stakes and a championship window open, the Buckeyes will make the most of every opportunity, including the potential game-changing impact of a transfer quarterback.

In the end, while the quarterback competition at Ohio State will undoubtedly be fierce, it is the unexpected source of the transfer portal that could ultimately decide who will be under center for the Buckeyes in 2025. As the new season approaches, it will be fascinating to see how the transfer portal shapes the future of Ohio State football.