Ryan Day names a ‘starter’ for Ohio State football, though one question still lingers: Where

As the Ohio State Buckeyes head into the 2025 college football season, one of the most pressing questions that has lingered since the offseason has been the battle for the starting quarterback position. Head coach Ryan Day, after months of speculation and a fierce competition between his quarterbacks, has finally named a starter for the upcoming season. However, as Day confirmed the identity of the starting quarterback, another question remained on the minds of Ohio State fans and analysts alike: where exactly will that quarterback be playing, and how will they fit into a system designed for success at the highest level?

The answer to that question is complicated, as Ryan Day is not only dealing with an elite, multifaceted quarterback group but is also tasked with continuing the legacy of Ohio State’s storied quarterback tradition. Over the years, the Buckeyes have produced an impressive list of quarterbacks who have gone on to great success in college football and the NFL, including names like Justin Fields, Dwayne Haskins, and Cardale Jones. Following in their footsteps is no easy task, but it seems that Day has found the right person to lead his team into the future—yet the complexity of where that quarterback will best fit into the system raises several intriguing questions.

This article will break down Ryan Day’s announcement regarding the starting quarterback, the details of the competition, and explore where the Buckeyes are heading with their offense for 2025. We’ll delve into the key aspects of Ohio State’s offense under Day’s leadership, the strengths and weaknesses of the quarterbacks involved, and the factors that could still affect Ohio State’s season, despite the announcement.

The Quarterback Competition: A Fierce Battle

Heading into the offseason, the quarterback position at Ohio State was up for grabs, with multiple highly talented players vying for the starting role. At the forefront of the competition were two strong contenders: Kyle McCord and Devin Brown. McCord, a seasoned veteran with significant playing time under his belt, and Brown, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback with a unique skill set, were the two quarterbacks most often mentioned as the likely candidates for the job.

Kyle McCord, who had backed up C.J. Stroud for two seasons, was the more experienced of the two. Known for his strong arm and ability to make all the necessary throws, McCord was regarded as the safer, more traditional quarterback option. His understanding of the Ohio State offense and ability to manage the game with poise were factors that played in his favor. McCord had demonstrated his ability to step in when needed, including key moments during Ohio State’s 2024 season, and many saw him as the natural choice to take over.

On the other hand, Devin Brown, a more mobile quarterback, brought a different set of skills to the table. Brown’s ability to make plays with his legs, in addition to his arm strength, made him a dangerous threat in both the pocket and on the move. Known for his ability to extend plays and make unconventional throws, Brown’s versatility could offer Ohio State’s offense a different dimension, potentially making him an ideal fit in Day’s fast-paced, high-flying system.

Despite their differences, both quarterbacks showed flashes of brilliance during spring practices and the summer build-up to the season. With each player having his strengths, the question on everyone’s mind was which quarterback Day would select as the starter, and how that choice would impact the offense moving forward.

Ryan Day’s Decision: Kyle McCord Named Starter

After months of evaluating both quarterbacks, Ryan Day officially named Kyle McCord the starting quarterback for Ohio State in 2025. The decision was made after a thorough evaluation of both players’ performances during spring drills, summer workouts, and scrimmages. McCord’s experience, accuracy, and leadership were cited as key reasons for his selection as the starter.

In his announcement, Day highlighted McCord’s ability to manage the game and make the right decisions under pressure. “Kyle has earned the right to be our starting quarterback,” Day said. “He’s shown the leadership qualities, maturity, and poise necessary to guide this team. He’s a natural leader, and we believe he’s ready to take the next step.”

McCord’s experience in big moments, particularly his time spent learning under C.J. Stroud, was also noted as a contributing factor to his ascension to the top of the depth chart. The Buckeyes have become accustomed to a high level of quarterback play in recent years, and McCord’s familiarity with Ohio State’s offensive schemes gave him a leg up in a competition that was closely contested.

“Kyle has been here for a while, and he’s proven that he can handle the big moments,” Day continued. “We’ve got a lot of trust in him, and we feel confident in his ability to lead our offense.”

The Lingering Question: Where Will McCord Fit Into the Offense?

Although Day’s announcement solidified McCord as the starting quarterback, there is still a significant question that lingers: where exactly will McCord fit into the offense, and how will Day and the coaching staff design the offense around his skill set? Ohio State’s offensive system under Ryan Day has become known for its versatility and ability to adapt to the strengths of the quarterback position. Day has a track record of maximizing the talents of his quarterbacks, from dual-threat quarterbacks like Justin Fields to pocket passers like C.J. Stroud.

For McCord, this means finding a way to use his strengths as a traditional pocket passer while also incorporating some elements of a modern, up-tempo offense. Day’s system is designed to be dynamic, with multiple ways to attack opposing defenses, whether through the air or on the ground. While McCord may not have the same dual-threat capabilities as Devin Brown, he possesses an impressive arm and accuracy that will allow him to operate effectively in Ohio State’s spread attack.

One question that remains is whether McCord will be given the freedom to run more RPO (Run-Pass Option) plays, a staple of modern offenses that has become especially prominent in Day’s coaching style. While McCord is not known for his running ability, his mobility in the pocket and ability to extend plays could still make RPOs a valuable part of the offense. This is an area where Day may choose to implement more nuance, tailoring the offense to McCord’s strengths while maintaining the explosive nature of the Buckeyes’ attack.

In the past, Ryan Day has utilized quarterbacks with varying skill sets—Justin Fields’ mobility and ability to make plays with his legs was a key part of the offense, while C.J. Stroud’s pure passing ability and precision were also central to Ohio State’s success. McCord’s skill set falls somewhere in between. While not as dynamic as Fields or Brown, he is a capable athlete who can make plays when necessary. The question now is how much of that mobility will be incorporated into the offense, especially when Ohio State faces teams with strong defenses or physical front sevens.

Additionally, McCord’s ability to take advantage of Ohio State’s elite wide receivers, such as Emeka Egbuka and Marvin Harrison Jr., will play a huge role in his success. Ohio State’s receiving corps is among the best in the country, and McCord’s ability to connect with these stars on deep balls and intermediate routes will be key to keeping defenses honest. Ryan Day has always emphasized spreading the ball around, and with McCord’s strong arm and accuracy, the offense is poised to be one of the nation’s most potent passing attacks.

The Future: Where Does Devin Brown Fit In?

Despite McCord being named the starter, Devin Brown is not likely to fade into the background. With his dual-threat capabilities, Brown provides a valuable weapon for Ohio State, and it’s clear that Day and his staff will find ways to incorporate Brown into the offense. Given Brown’s ability to extend plays with his legs and his skill set as a passer, there are multiple ways that he could impact the offense even as a backup.

It’s possible that Brown could be used in certain packages or special formations designed to take advantage of his unique talents. Day has a history of being creative with his quarterbacks, and Brown’s skill set offers a different dynamic that could be utilized in a variety of ways. Whether as a situational starter or as a change-of-pace quarterback, Brown’s role in Ohio State’s offense will be something to watch as the season progresses.

Conclusion: The Big Picture for Ohio State

Ryan Day’s decision to name Kyle McCord the starting quarterback is a major step toward solidifying the Buckeyes’ identity for the 2025 season. While McCord’s experience and leadership make him the logical choice to lead the offense, the question of where he will fit into the overall offensive scheme remains. Day’s ability to tailor the offense to McCord’s strengths, while also incorporating elements of the dynamic, up-tempo style that Ohio State is known for, will be critical to the team’s success.

Meanwhile, Devin Brown’s future in the offense remains uncertain, but his skill set offers Ryan Day a unique opportunity to experiment and create a multifaceted attack. Regardless of how the offense is shaped, Ohio State fans can expect an exciting and high-powered offense, led by one of the nation’s top quarterbacks in McCord.

As the 2025 season unfolds, the lingering question of “where” Ohio State’s quarterback fits into the overall offense may become clearer, but for now, Buckeye fans can rest easy knowing that they have a talented and capable signal-caller in Kyle McCord leading the charge.