Ryan Day confirms Ohio State’s quarterback battle is a “two-horse race,” with two players vying for the starting job.

As Ohio State football heads into the 2025 season with high expectations, one of the most intriguing and hotly contested positions on the team is the quarterback position. With a storied history of elite quarterbacks, including Heisman winners, national championship contenders, and NFL stars, the pressure to pick the right signal-caller for the Buckeyes is immense. Head coach Ryan Day, who has overseen the development of numerous quarterbacks during his tenure at Ohio State, recently revealed that the battle for the starting quarterback job is a “two-horse race.” This announcement has intensified the anticipation around the team as fans, analysts, and players alike wait to see who will ultimately win the coveted role under center.

Day’s comments have only fueled the debate among Ohio State’s fanbase, who have long expected big things from the quarterbacks on the roster. The Buckeyes’ offense is known for its dynamic aerial attack, and with talent at nearly every skill position, the team is primed to compete for a national title in 2025. But the question on everyone’s mind is: who will be leading the offense?

Let’s break down what we know about Ohio State’s quarterback situation, explore the candidates in the “two-horse race,” and examine the implications of this highly competitive battle.

Ryan Day’s Approach to Quarterback Development

As the head coach of Ohio State, Ryan Day has earned a reputation as one of the premier quarterback developers in college football. Since taking over the program in 2019, he has helped turn Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields, and C.J. Stroud into first-round NFL draft picks. Under Day’s tutelage, the Buckeyes’ offense has consistently been among the best in the nation, driven by elite quarterback play. It’s no surprise, then, that the battle for the starting job is such a focal point heading into the 2025 season.

Day is known for giving quarterbacks the tools and freedom to succeed while maintaining a competitive environment that pushes each player to elevate their game. He has consistently emphasized the importance of having a quarterback who not only has the physical tools to succeed but also the mental acumen to lead the team. It’s not just about throwing the ball accurately and with velocity; it’s about reading defenses, making quick decisions, and being a leader both on and off the field.

The Candidates: Who Are the Two Horses in the Race?

With Ryan Day’s announcement that the quarterback battle is a “two-horse race,” the focus is on two players who have stood out during spring practices and throughout the offseason. Both candidates are highly talented, and while neither has been officially named the starter, it’s clear that they are the frontrunners for the role. Let’s take a closer look at these two quarterbacks who are vying for the job.

1. Kyle McCord – The Seasoned Sophomore

Kyle McCord, a former five-star recruit, is one of the top candidates to take over as Ohio State’s starting quarterback in 2025. McCord’s recruitment was widely celebrated as one of the best in the country, and he arrived at Ohio State with an immense amount of potential. Standing at 6’3” and possessing a strong arm, McCord has all the physical tools to be successful at the highest level. He has already displayed flashes of brilliance during his time with the Buckeyes, and with a year of experience under his belt, many believe he’s ready to step into the starting role.

McCord’s most significant experience came in the 2024 season when he was asked to step in as the starter for a few games after an injury to C.J. Stroud. While McCord’s performances were not as polished as Stroud’s, they were impressive given the circumstances. In the games he played, McCord showed confidence in the pocket, good decision-making, and a natural ability to throw the ball accurately. He threw for over 1,500 yards and had multiple touchdowns in limited action. His performances were enough to earn the confidence of his teammates and coaching staff, but the 2025 season is seen as his time to take the reins as the full-time starter.

McCord’s strengths include his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions. He’s particularly adept at finding his receivers in the intermediate and deep parts of the field, and his arm strength allows him to make all the throws necessary in Ohio State’s offense. While McCord still has room for growth in terms of consistency, his upside is undeniable.

During the spring, McCord continued to impress coaches with his development. His ability to manage the offense, make the right throws, and lead the team in practice has kept him in the mix for the starting job. However, McCord isn’t without competition, and he knows that his spot isn’t guaranteed.

2. Devin Brown – The Dynamic Dual-Threat

The second candidate in the “two-horse race” is Devin Brown, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback who has the potential to add a different dimension to Ohio State’s offense. Brown, a highly-touted recruit from Utah, arrived at Ohio State as a five-star prospect with the ability to both throw and run the ball effectively. While McCord is more of a traditional pocket passer, Brown’s ability to make plays with his legs gives him an edge in certain situations. Brown’s mobility and vision make him a constant threat to break off big runs, and he’s shown the ability to extend plays when the pocket breaks down.

In his brief time with the Buckeyes, Brown has already earned a reputation as a playmaker. His highlight reel from high school shows off his arm strength and accuracy, but it’s his ability to improvise and keep plays alive with his legs that makes him stand out. Brown’s ability to use his legs as an additional weapon makes him a natural fit for the modern-day college quarterback position, where mobility is increasingly important. His athleticism and ability to throw on the run provide an exciting element to Ohio State’s offense that could keep defenses on their toes.

While McCord is more experienced, Brown has the talent to push for the starting job. During the spring, Brown impressed coaches with his poise, leadership, and ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground. He is still working on refining his mechanics, but the raw talent and upside are clearly evident. Brown’s ability to read defenses, take what the defense gives him, and utilize his mobility could make him a unique weapon in Ryan Day’s high-powered offense.

Brown’s style of play has the potential to change the dynamic of Ohio State’s offense. If he wins the starting job, expect Day to incorporate more read-option plays, designed runs, and bootlegs to take advantage of Brown’s mobility. His athleticism makes him a threat not only as a passer but also as a runner, and Ohio State’s offensive playbook could look a bit different depending on which quarterback wins the starting role.

What Will It Take to Win the Job?

With both McCord and Brown showing flashes of potential, it’s clear that Ryan Day and his coaching staff will be looking at multiple factors when deciding who will start at quarterback for Ohio State. While talent is important, the ability to execute the offense consistently, manage the game, and lead the team are just as critical.

1. Consistency and Accuracy

While both quarterbacks have impressive arms, it will ultimately come down to consistency. Quarterbacks who can hit their targets accurately in all areas of the field, from quick slants to deep balls, will be crucial in Ohio State’s offense. The ability to make the right throw on time, under pressure, and with precision will be a deciding factor in the race for the job.

2. Leadership and Poise

A starting quarterback is expected to be the leader of the offense, and this is an area where Ryan Day has often emphasized the importance of maturity and poise. Whether in practice, scrimmages, or games, the quarterback must show the ability to command the huddle, keep the offense calm under pressure, and execute the game plan effectively. Leadership will be a big factor for both McCord and Brown as they compete for the starting job.

3. Football IQ

Understanding the game at a high level is critical for Ohio State’s quarterback. Day’s offensive system is complex, and the quarterback must be able to make quick decisions, read defenses, and adjust on the fly. The ability to make pre-snap reads, identify defensive schemes, and check into the right plays will be a major factor in who ultimately gets the nod.

The Road Ahead

As the 2025 season approaches, the quarterback battle at Ohio State remains one of the most closely watched competitions in college football. With Ryan Day’s “two-horse race” announcement, it’s clear that both McCord and Brown are in the running for the starting role, and fans will be eagerly awaiting the decision. Ohio State’s offense is poised to be one of the most potent in the country, and the choice of quarterback will go a long way in determining the team’s success this season.

While the battle may be neck-and-neck, Ryan Day’s decision will ultimately come down to who can best lead the Buckeyes and execute the offense at a high level. Whoever earns the starting spot will be expected to perform at an elite level, and the competition is sure to only fuel their drive to succeed. For the Buckeyes, it’s not just about who wins the job but how the team rallies around their leader as they prepare for another championship run.