Ohio State QBs face intense competition ahead of spring game

Ohio State Q QBs Face Intense Competition Ahead of Spring Game

As the 2025 college football season approaches, one of the most exciting storylines surrounding Ohio State University’s football program is the ongoing battle for the starting quarterback position. With the departure of former starting quarterback Kyle McCord, who played a significant role in leading the Buckeyes through a successful 2024 season, Ohio State enters the spring with a wide-open competition at the most important position on the field. As the Buckeyes prepare for their highly anticipated spring game, the battle for the starting job has reached new heights, with multiple contenders vying for the opportunity to take the reins of one of college football’s most prestigious programs.

Ohio State, a perennial powerhouse in the Big Ten and a consistent contender for national championships, is known for producing top-tier quarterbacks who go on to have successful careers both in college and the NFL. With the departure of McCord, the next signal-caller for the Buckeyes has big shoes to fill, and the competition for the starting job is expected to be fierce, with no clear frontrunner emerging as of yet.

In this article, we will explore the current quarterback landscape at Ohio State, introduce the key contenders for the job, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and discuss the broader implications of the spring game as the Buckeyes look to find their leader for the 2025 season.

The Context: Ohio State’s Quarterback Legacy

Before diving into the details of the competition, it’s important to understand the significance of the quarterback position at Ohio State. The Buckeyes have a storied tradition of producing elite quarterbacks, from Justin Fields to Dwayne Haskins to Troy Smith—all of whom have gone on to make an impact at the NFL level. The program has set a high standard for its quarterbacks, and fans and pundits alike expect nothing less than excellence from whoever earns the starting role.

The pressure to succeed as Ohio State’s starting quarterback is immense, but it is also an incredible opportunity. Not only does the quarterback get to lead one of the nation’s most talented rosters, but they also have the chance to play in front of over 100,000 fans at Ohio Stadium and compete for conference titles, national championships, and individual accolades. With a loaded roster that includes standout skill players, a top-tier offensive line, and a defense that is always among the best in the country, the quarterback position is one of the most sought-after in all of college football.

However, the 2025 season represents a bit of an unknown for Ohio State’s offense. While the program has had a string of success with veteran quarterbacks in recent years, the loss of McCord means that head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Brian Hartline must now rely on younger talent to step up. As the team enters the spring practices, the question on everyone’s mind is: who will emerge as the leader of Ohio State’s offense in 2025?

The Contenders: A Look at the Quarterback Room

With McCord moving on, the Buckeyes have several candidates vying for the starting quarterback role in 2025. Let’s take a closer look at the primary contenders for the position, each of whom brings a unique skill set and style of play to the table.

1. Devin Brown (Sophomore)

One of the most exciting prospects in Ohio State’s quarterback room is Devin Brown, a highly touted recruit who showed flashes of brilliance in his limited playing time during his freshman year in 2024. Brown, who was ranked as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2023 recruiting class, possesses an impressive combination of arm strength, mobility, and football IQ. His ability to throw on the run and make plays outside of the pocket is one of his most appealing attributes, and he has the potential to become a dynamic playmaker for the Buckeyes.

Brown’s most notable performance came in the 2024 season when he stepped in for McCord in a few games and showcased his ability to make big plays. His athleticism and ability to escape pressure make him a dangerous option for Ohio State’s offense, particularly in the fast-paced, high-tempo system that Day runs.

However, Brown is still relatively inexperienced at the college level. While he certainly has the physical tools to be a star, he must continue to refine his decision-making and consistency. As with any young quarterback, Brown will need to prove that he can handle the pressure of being the face of Ohio State’s offense and lead the team through the tough Big Ten schedule.

Heading into the spring game, Brown will likely be one of the favorites to win the job, but he faces stiff competition from the other quarterbacks on the roster.

2. Kyle McCord’s Backup: Lincoln Kienholz (Freshman)

Another promising option in the quarterback competition is Lincoln Kienholz, a true freshman who enrolled early to take part in spring practices. Kienholz, a product of Pierre High School in South Dakota, was highly recruited for his athleticism, arm strength, and potential to develop into a dual-threat quarterback. Known for his strong arm and ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground, Kienholz brings a different dynamic to the Ohio State offense than what fans have seen in recent years.

Kienholz is still a bit raw, particularly in terms of college-level decision-making and adjusting to the speed of the game. However, his athleticism and high ceiling have made him an intriguing option for the Buckeyes’ coaching staff. He will likely have to prove himself in the spring game to earn a serious look as the starting quarterback, but his raw talent cannot be overlooked.

3. Tristan Gebbia (Senior)

While Brown and Kienholz have captured the attention of Buckeye fans due to their potential, Ohio State also has a veteran quarterback in the mix—Tristan Gebbia, a senior transfer from Oregon State. Gebbia, who has experience as a starter at Oregon State, brings a wealth of experience and a calm demeanor to the position. While he may not have the same physical tools as Brown or Kienholz, Gebbia is known for his intelligence, decision-making, and ability to lead a team.

Gebbia’s experience and knowledge of the game could prove invaluable to Ohio State, especially if the team’s younger quarterbacks are not quite ready to step into the starting role. While he may not be the flashiest option, Gebbia’s leadership and steady presence in the huddle could help the Buckeyes stay competitive if he is given the chance to start.

4. The Dark Horse: Brock Glenn (Freshman)

Brock Glenn, another incoming freshman, has not received as much attention as Brown or Kienholz, but he could very well surprise people as the spring game approaches. Glenn, who hails from Chattanooga, Tennessee, is known for his strong fundamentals and accuracy as a passer. While he is not as mobile as some of the other quarterbacks in the competition, Glenn’s ability to make quick decisions and read defenses makes him an intriguing option for Ohio State.

Glenn’s lack of college experience is certainly a concern, but if he performs well in the spring game, he could emerge as a legitimate contender for the starting role.

Key Factors for Competition: What Will Determine the Starter?

With several talented quarterbacks vying for the starting job, it’s clear that the competition will be fierce. However, there are several factors that will play a crucial role in determining who will emerge as Ohio State’s starting quarterback for 2025:

1. Decision-Making and Consistency: The starting quarterback at Ohio State must be able to make quick, accurate decisions under pressure. A quarterback who can consistently move the ball and avoid costly turnovers will have a significant edge in this competition.
2. Leadership and Poise: The quarterback position requires leadership on and off the field. Ohio State’s new signal-caller must have the ability to command the offense, rally teammates, and maintain composure in big moments.
3. Adaptability to Ryan Day’s System: Day’s offensive system is known for its speed, precision, and creativity. The quarterback must be able to execute this fast-paced offense efficiently and adjust to the team’s evolving needs throughout the season.
4. Physical Talent: While the mental aspects of the game are paramount, physical attributes such as arm strength, accuracy, and mobility will still be a major factor in the competition. The quarterback who can make all the throws and keep defenses on their toes will have a clear advantage.

The Spring Game: The First Major Test

Ohio State’s spring game will be the first major opportunity for all of the quarterbacks to showcase their skills in a live, game-like environment. This scrimmage will be closely watched by fans, coaches, and analysts alike, as it will provide valuable insights into how each quarterback performs under pressure.

While the spring game will not ultimately decide the starting job, it will be a crucial part of the evaluation process. Expect each quarterback to be given a significant amount of playing time, allowing Day and the coaching staff to assess their strengths and weaknesses in a competitive setting.