As the 2025 season begins, the Ohio State Buckeyes face a significant question.

As the 2025 college football season kicks off, the Ohio State Buckeyes are once again poised to be one of the premier programs in the nation. With a rich history, a dominant recruiting pipeline, and a roster loaded with talent, Ohio State fans are filled with optimism. The Buckeyes, led by head coach Ryan Day, are consistently in the hunt for national championships. However, as the season begins, the program finds itself grappling with a significant question that could shape the course of their 2025 campaign and beyond:

Who will be the quarterback?

This question looms large for Ohio State heading into the season. The Buckeyes have been a model of stability at the quarterback position over the past decade, producing elite quarterbacks like Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields, and CJ Stroud, who have all gone on to have successful careers at the next level. The quarterback position has been a cornerstone of Ohio State’s offensive dominance under Ryan Day, and in 2025, the program finds itself needing to replace one of the most successful quarterbacks in school history: CJ Stroud.

Stroud, who was a Heisman finalist and led the Buckeyes to several playoff appearances, left for the NFL after the 2024 season, leaving a massive void behind. His departure presents a challenge for Ryan Day and the coaching staff, as they must find a capable leader to run the offense and keep Ohio State’s high-powered attack rolling.

While the Buckeyes’ quarterback situation is filled with intrigue, it’s far from the only significant question they face as they head into the season. From replacing key players on both sides of the ball to maintaining the same level of success that has made them a perennial contender, Ohio State’s 2025 season promises to be filled with uncertainty. Let’s break down the significant question of the quarterback position and other challenges that could shape the Buckeyes’ campaign.

1. The Quarterback Battle: Who Will Lead the Buckeyes in 2025?

The first and most pressing question surrounding Ohio State as the season begins is the quarterback battle. With CJ Stroud off to the NFL, the Buckeyes have several options to consider. Let’s take a closer look at the candidates vying for the starting quarterback job.

Kyle McCord: The Experienced Option

One of the top contenders for the starting job is Kyle McCord, a highly-touted quarterback prospect who has spent several years learning under Stroud and the coaching staff. McCord has seen limited action in Ohio State’s offense, mainly in garbage-time scenarios, but he has shown flashes of promise during his time in Columbus.

McCord possesses the arm strength and mechanics needed to succeed in Ryan Day’s system. His ability to throw the deep ball with accuracy, along with his quick release, gives him the tools to excel in the Buckeyes’ up-tempo offense. Additionally, his familiarity with the offense and the coaching staff could provide him with an edge in terms of leadership and comfortability.

However, McCord faces the challenge of stepping into the starting role with high expectations. Ohio State fans are accustomed to top-tier quarterback play, and McCord will need to prove that he can live up to the legacy of quarterbacks like Stroud, Fields, and Haskins. He’ll also need to demonstrate poise under pressure, as the Buckeyes will face some of the toughest defenses in the country this season.

Devin Brown: The Young and Talented Threat

Another name to watch in the quarterback race is Devin Brown, a highly-recruited quarterback who joined Ohio State in 2024. Brown is an athletic and dynamic playmaker who offers a different skill set than McCord. Known for his mobility and ability to make plays with his legs, Brown could provide a dimension to Ohio State’s offense that McCord may not be able to replicate.

Brown has the potential to be a star, but he also has less experience in the system. He could be a bit raw compared to McCord, and as a result, his development in the offense will be crucial. However, his ability to improvise and make plays on the fly could make him a dangerous weapon for the Buckeyes.

With Ohio State’s offensive scheme being so dynamic and adaptable, there is room for both quarterbacks to contribute in 2025. Day has been known to get creative with his offensive approach, so it’s possible that we see both McCord and Brown take snaps in different situations throughout the season. However, the ultimate question is whether McCord can prove he’s the best option in the long run, or if Brown’s potential will be too enticing to ignore.

The Transfer Portal: Could Ohio State Look Outside the Program?

Another layer of intrigue comes from the possibility that Ohio State could look outside the program for a solution. While McCord and Brown are talented, Day might consider using the transfer portal to bring in an experienced quarterback with more game experience. This would not be the first time Ohio State has used the portal to strengthen its roster, and the quarterback position is one that often sees high-profile transfers.

However, at this stage, it’s unclear whether Day will go down that route. McCord and Brown both have the potential to lead the Buckeyes to success, but bringing in a transfer could be an immediate solution if the coaches feel there is a significant gap in experience. If Ohio State does dip into the portal, it would likely be looking for a proven winner who can step into the starting role without missing a beat.

For now, though, the focus will remain on McCord and Brown to prove who is most capable of leading Ohio State back to the top.

2. Replacing Key Players: Who Steps Up?

While the quarterback battle will dominate the conversation surrounding Ohio State’s 2025 season, the Buckeyes also face several other significant questions, especially when it comes to replacing key players on both sides of the ball.

Offensive Line: A New Look Up Front

The offensive line is one of the most important areas for any successful program, and Ohio State is no different. After losing several key offensive linemen to the NFL, including Paris Johnson Jr. and Dawand Jones, the Buckeyes must retool their offensive front. These departures leave major holes in a unit that has been a strength for Ohio State in recent years.

The good news for Ohio State is that the program has a deep pipeline of talent in the trenches. Players like Josh Fryar and Zen Michalski are poised to step into starting roles and will need to play at a high level. Ryan Day and offensive line coach Justin Frye have done an excellent job of developing linemen, and it’s likely that Ohio State will continue to field a competitive and physical offensive line.

Running Back: Replacing Henderson’s Impact

In addition to the quarterback and offensive line questions, Ohio State must also figure out how to replace TreVeyon Henderson at running back. Henderson was one of the top backs in the country and a true workhorse for the Buckeyes. His ability to run between the tackles, catch passes out of the backfield, and break off long runs made him a pivotal part of Ohio State’s offense.

In 2025, Ohio State will look to players like Miyan Williams and Dallan Hayden to fill Henderson’s shoes. Williams has been a reliable back in past seasons, but he’ll need to step up as the feature back this year. Hayden, a rising star, has shown flashes of brilliance, but the team will need him to show consistency if he is going to be a true difference-maker in 2025.

3. Defensive Challenges: Building on Success

The defense will also play a major role in Ohio State’s 2025 campaign. After a strong 2024 season, the Buckeyes have several standout players returning to the defense, including J.T. Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, and C.J. Hicks. However, with the loss of several key contributors, including Zach Harrison and Tanner McCalister, the defense will need to maintain its high level of play.

The defensive line, which has been one of Ohio State’s strengths for years, will once again be crucial to the team’s success. Tuimoloau and Sawyer will need to be disruptive forces, creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks and helping the secondary thrive. Meanwhile, in the secondary, players like Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock will need to step up to prevent big plays and shut down top-tier receivers.

Special Teams: A Consistent Force

Finally, special teams will be another area of focus for Ohio State. With Noah Ruggles graduating after a successful career as the team’s kicker, the Buckeyes will need to find a new kicker to maintain their strong performance in the kicking game. Special teams can often be the difference in tight games, so Ohio State will need to ensure that its special teams unit remains one of the best in the country.

 Can Ohio State Overcome the Question Marks?

As the 2025 season begins, the Ohio State Buckeyes find themselves in an unfamiliar position: navigating a significant amount of uncertainty. The most pressing question of all—who will be the quarterback—will play a pivotal role in determining the Buckeyes’ success this year. Whether it’s Kyle McCord, Devin Brown, or even a transfer quarterback, Ohio State will need strong leadership under center to compete at the highest level.

Beyond quarterback, the Buckeyes face several challenges, including replacing key players on both sides of the ball and building on the success of a strong 2024 defense. However, with Ryan Day at the helm, a talented coaching staff, and an elite recruiting class, Ohio State remains one of the most formidable programs in college football.

While 2025 may be a year filled with questions, it’s also a year full of potential. With the right answers, Ohio State has the talent and depth to challenge for another College Football Playoff appearance and potentially another national championship. The journey begins now, and it will be fascinating to watch how this team responds to the challenges ahead.