Breaking: In a move that has sent ripples of excitement through the Ohio State Buckeyes fanbase, the university announced the appointment of former quarterback J.T. Barrett as the team’s new offensive
In a move that has sent ripples of excitement through the Ohio State Buckeyes fanbase, the university announced the appointment of former quarterback J.T. Barrett as the team’s new quarterbacks coach. Barrett, a beloved figure in Buckeye history, returns to Columbus after a successful stint in the NFL coaching ranks.
J.T. Barrett’s legacy at Ohio State is etched in the annals of college football history. During his tenure as the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback from 2014 to 2017, Barrett set numerous records, including becoming the Big Ten’s all-time leader in total touchdowns and passing touchdowns. He was a three-time team captain and led Ohio State to multiple Big Ten championships and a College Football Playoff appearance. Barrett’s leadership, work ethic, and on-field intelligence made him a fan favorite and a respected figure among his peers.
After going undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft, Barrett transitioned into coaching. He began his coaching career with the Detroit Lions, serving as an offensive assistant and later as the assistant quarterbacks coach. In January 2025, Barrett took another step forward in his coaching journey by joining the Chicago Bears as their quarterbacks coach. In this role, he worked closely with rising star Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Now, Barrett returns to Ohio State, bringing his wealth of experience and knowledge to the Buckeyes’ quarterbacks. Head coach Ryan Day expressed his enthusiasm about Barrett’s return, stating, “J.T. is a Buckeye through and through. His understanding of our system, his leadership qualities, and his passion for developing quarterbacks make him an invaluable addition to our staff.”
Barrett’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to continue Ohio State’s tradition of excellence at the quarterback position. His firsthand experience with the pressures and expectations of being a starting quarterback at a premier program will provide invaluable insights to the current and future Buckeyes signal-callers.
With Barrett at the helm, the future of Ohio State’s quarterback room looks promising. His mentorship is expected to accelerate the development of young talents and ensure that the Buckeyes maintain their high standards at the quarterback position. Barrett’s unique perspective, having navigated the challenges of being a starting quarterback at Ohio State, will undoubtedly resonate with the players he coaches.
J.T. Barrett’s return to Ohio State as the quarterbacks coach is a full-circle moment for both the coach and the program. His deep-rooted connection to Ohio State, combined with his recent coaching experience in the NFL, positions him to make a significant impact on the Buckeyes’ future. As Barrett steps into this new role, the Ohio State community eagerly anticipates the continued success of its storied quarterback tradition.
