Ohio State adds quarterback Eli Brickhandler from the transfer portal, securing their fourth quarterback for the upcoming season.

In the competitive and ever-evolving world of college football, few programs can match the sustained success and high expectations of Ohio State University. The Buckeyes have consistently been a powerhouse in the Big Ten and the nation, consistently churning out elite talent at every position. One position, however, has always stood as the most important — the quarterback. As the 2025 season approaches, Ohio State’s football program has made an interesting move by adding quarterback Eli Brickhandler from the transfer portal, securing their fourth quarterback for the upcoming season. This addition, while not necessarily a household name in college football just yet, could have significant implications for the team’s future and further solidify their quarterback depth.

Ohio State has long been recognized for producing elite quarterbacks who go on to achieve success both in college and in the NFL. From Troy Smith to Justin Fields, the Buckeyes have a rich history of quarterback play, and the addition of Eli Brickhandler raises several questions: What does this mean for Ohio State’s quarterback room in 2025 and beyond? How will Brickhandler fit in with the current competition, and does this transfer signal a change in Ohio State’s recruiting or development strategies?

This article will explore the significance of Eli Brickhandler’s transfer to Ohio State, breaking down the implications for the Buckeyes, their quarterback competition, and how this move may impact the team’s broader plans in the coming years.

The Quarterback Room at Ohio State: A Look at the Current State

To understand the impact of Brickhandler’s addition to Ohio State’s roster, it’s important to first examine the current quarterback situation in Columbus. As of the 2025 season, the Buckeyes are stacked with talent at the quarterback position, with several players vying for the coveted starting spot. Historically, Ohio State has not been shy about having multiple quarterbacks on their roster, with competition being a key element in their success.

At the top of the depth chart, Ohio State has an established starter who has led the team to several key victories. However, with the ever-changing landscape of college football, the backup and third-string quarterbacks often play pivotal roles in shaping the team’s future. Injuries, changes in performance, or even strategic decisions can all lead to shifts in the quarterback rotation. With four quarterbacks now on the roster, including Brickhandler, the Buckeyes are well-positioned to weather any uncertainties, whether they arise from injuries or other unforeseen circumstances.

Let’s break down the quarterbacks that were already on Ohio State’s roster and how Brickhandler might fit into the existing competition.

Who is Eli Brickhandler? Background and Skills

Eli Brickhandler is not the most high-profile transfer quarterback, but his addition to Ohio State’s roster has raised eyebrows for several reasons. Brickhandler, who most recently played for a smaller program, has garnered attention for his impressive physical tools and a playing style that could complement Ohio State’s system. Although he may not have the same name recognition as some of the high-profile quarterbacks that the Buckeyes have recruited in recent years, his potential is evident.

Standing at 6’4” and weighing around 215 pounds, Brickhandler possesses an ideal physical frame for a quarterback. His athleticism, arm strength, and ability to make plays with his legs are all standout attributes. While he may not have the same level of college experience as some of his fellow quarterbacks at Ohio State, his potential has caught the attention of coaches and analysts alike.

Brickhandler’s playing style can be described as a dual-threat quarterback with the ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the run. This flexibility could be a valuable asset in Ohio State’s offensive system, which has traditionally thrived with quarterbacks who can make plays outside the pocket. His experience in a smaller program, where he was tasked with carrying the offense, will serve him well as he enters the Buckeyes’ quarterback room and adjusts to the increased competition and level of play in the Big Ten.

Given his skill set, Brickhandler could be the type of quarterback who provides depth and competition for Ohio State without being an immediate threat to the starting job. However, his upside and ability to develop could turn him into a key player for the Buckeyes in the future.

The Transfer Portal’s Impact on College Football and Ohio State

The transfer portal has significantly altered the college football landscape, providing players with more freedom to explore opportunities outside of their original commitments. While some programs have been more successful than others in navigating the transfer portal, Ohio State has consistently made the most of these opportunities. Whether it’s adding a key player to a position of need or acquiring talent that can contribute to the program in future years, Ohio State has proven adept at recruiting from the portal.

The addition of Eli Brickhandler to the Buckeyes’ roster is just the latest example of how Ohio State is leveraging the transfer portal to bolster their depth chart. The Buckeyes have long been known for their elite recruiting efforts, but with the growing importance of the portal, they’ve increasingly turned to it as a way to address specific needs on the team. Adding a quarterback like Brickhandler — even if he’s not expected to be an immediate starter — helps secure Ohio State’s future at the position while also increasing the competition among their signal-callers.

In a season where competition is fierce, having depth at quarterback is essential. Injuries, inconsistency, and changing team dynamics can quickly shift the trajectory of a team’s season. By bringing in Brickhandler, Ohio State is preparing itself for every possible outcome, ensuring that it has capable quarterbacks who can step in and perform at a high level when needed.

What This Means for Ohio State’s Quarterback Competition in 2025

The addition of Eli Brickhandler adds another layer to the already intense quarterback competition at Ohio State. With multiple quarterbacks vying for the starting role, Brickhandler’s presence will likely increase the level of competition and may push other quarterbacks on the roster to elevate their play.

Currently, the Buckeyes have a strong group of quarterbacks, but having a fourth signal-caller in the mix provides even more uncertainty, which can drive all of them to be better. The competition will likely play out during spring practices, summer camp, and the early part of the regular season. Coaches will undoubtedly evaluate each quarterback’s skills, leadership, and ability to execute Ohio State’s fast-paced and high-powered offense. The presence of Brickhandler may not immediately alter the status of the current starters, but it does ensure that no position is guaranteed.

It’s also worth noting that, in recent years, Ohio State’s offense has been known for its explosiveness and versatility, especially under offensive coordinator Brian Hartline. For any quarterback in the room — including Brickhandler — excelling within this system will be critical. The Buckeyes have a reputation for developing quarterbacks into NFL-caliber players, and this new addition could be an opportunity for Brickhandler to further develop under the guidance of one of the best coaching staffs in college football.

Eli Brickhandler’s Potential Future with Ohio State

While it’s difficult to predict exactly how Eli Brickhandler will fit into the Ohio State program in the coming years, there is potential for him to make an impact — either as a starter down the road or as a key backup with valuable experience. It’s also possible that Brickhandler could serve as a bridge for the program until a highly touted recruit takes over the reins.

In the near term, Brickhandler will likely be a backup to the starting quarterback, learning the nuances of Ohio State’s system while competing for a larger role. If the Buckeyes face an injury or inconsistency at the quarterback position, Brickhandler could be called upon to step in and make an immediate contribution. Having a quarterback with his physical tools and dual-threat capability will be valuable in the event that the starting quarterback faces any challenges throughout the season.

In the long term, Brickhandler’s development will be a key factor in his future with Ohio State. The Buckeyes have consistently produced successful quarterbacks who go on to have promising NFL careers, and Brickhandler will be looking to prove himself as the next in line. If he can continue to develop his skills and adapt to the competition at Ohio State, there’s no reason why he couldn’t become an integral part of the team in future seasons.

Ohio State’s Future at Quarterback Looks Bright

The addition of Eli Brickhandler from the transfer portal signals Ohio State’s continued commitment to building a deep and competitive roster at every position. With a strong quarterback room that already includes talented and capable players, Brickhandler’s arrival adds another layer of depth and competition at the most important position on the field. While it’s unclear what role Brickhandler will play in the immediate future, his physical tools and potential make him an intriguing addition to the team.

As the Buckeyes continue to compete for national championships and develop the next generation of college football stars, having a player like Brickhandler on the roster only strengthens their quarterback depth and prepares them for whatever challenges may arise. With competition at an all-time high, Ohio State’s 2025 quarterback battle promises to be one of the most exciting storylines to watch as the season unfolds.