Ohio State Could Lose Another QB to Transfer Portal
Ohio State Could Lose Another QB to Transfer Portal: What This Means for the Buckeyes’ Future
Ohio State football is one of the most successful and prestigious programs in the country, consistently producing top-tier talent and competing at the highest levels of college football. Under the leadership of head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have solidified themselves as a perennial contender in the Big Ten Conference and on the national stage. The team’s history of success, its rich tradition, and its top-notch coaching staff have made Ohio State an attractive destination for recruits, especially at the quarterback position.
Over the years, Ohio State has cultivated a strong reputation for developing talented quarterbacks who can thrive at both the collegiate and professional levels. From Troy Smith and Terrelle Pryor to Dwayne Haskins and Justin Fields, Ohio State quarterbacks have left a lasting impact on the program and the NFL. However, in recent years, the transfer portal has become a central focus for college football programs, as players increasingly seek new opportunities for playing time, development, and other factors. Now, Ohio State finds itself in a challenging position as the team faces the possibility of losing another quarterback to the transfer portal, which could have significant ramifications for the program’s future.
In this article, we will explore the current quarterback situation at Ohio State, analyze the potential impact of losing another QB to the transfer portal, and discuss what this could mean for the Buckeyes’ quarterback depth, recruiting efforts, and overall team strategy moving forward.
Ohio State’s Quarterback Room: A Competitive Environment
Ohio State has long had a reputation for producing high-quality quarterbacks, and in recent years, the quarterback position has become an area of fierce competition. Ryan Day has developed a quarterback-centric offense that has produced prolific passing numbers, and he has been able to recruit some of the nation’s best signal-callers.
At the 2025 season, the Buckeyes had an impressive group of quarterbacks vying for playing time, which has created both opportunities and challenges. With the influx of talented quarterbacks over the past few seasons, Ohio State’s quarterback room has become crowded, and that has resulted in some players seeking out other opportunities to play.
C.J. Stroud’s Departure and the Rise of Kyle McCord
After C.J. Stroud entered the NFL Draft and became one of the top quarterbacks selected in the first round, Ohio State faced a crucial transition. Stroud had been the face of the program for several years and was largely responsible for the team’s success in the passing game. His departure created an opening for a new quarterback to take the reins.
Enter Kyle McCord, a former 5-star recruit who had been patiently waiting for his opportunity to lead the offense. McCord had played in backup roles during Stroud’s time as the starter, but with Stroud gone, McCord was expected to step in as the starting quarterback for the Buckeyes. McCord’s time to shine had come, and he was the clear front-runner for the starting job entering the 2025 season.
Devin Brown’s Challenge to McCord
However, McCord’s path to the starting job wasn’t entirely clear-cut. Devin Brown, a talented young quarterback who had been a highly touted recruit in the same class as McCord, also had his sights set on starting. Brown had shown flashes of his potential in limited playing time and had a strong skill set that made him a viable option to lead the offense.
As a result, the competition between McCord and Brown became one of the biggest storylines heading into the 2025 season. Both quarterbacks brought unique strengths to the table, and it was clear that whoever won the starting job would be in a prime position to continue Ohio State’s offensive dominance.
The competition between McCord and Brown was expected to play out during spring camp and fall camp, with both players getting opportunities to prove themselves in front of coaches and teammates. For Ohio State, having two quarterbacks of this caliber battling for the starting job was an exciting problem to have, but it also meant that some tough decisions would need to be made.
The Transfer Portal Landscape
As college football’s transfer portal has become an ever-present part of the sport, programs like Ohio State have had to adjust to the reality of losing players to transfers. The portal has provided players with more freedom than ever before, allowing them to explore new opportunities if they feel their current situation isn’t ideal.
For quarterbacks, the pressure to start can often lead to transfer portal departures. If a player feels that they won’t get the playing time they desire or if they are buried behind a talented depth chart, the portal offers a way out. Ohio State has already experienced this phenomenon in recent years, with players like Jack Miller and Matthew Baldwin leaving the program in search of more playing time.
As the competition between McCord and Brown intensifies, the risk of one of them entering the transfer portal becomes very real. If one of these quarterbacks doesn’t secure the starting job, they may seek out a new program where they can compete for a starting role. This is especially true in an era where quarterbacks have the opportunity to make an immediate impact elsewhere and find success in a new system.
Potential Impact of Losing a Quarterback to the Transfer Portal
Should Ohio State lose one of its quarterbacks to the transfer portal, it could have a variety of consequences for the team, both in the short and long term. Let’s break down the potential impact:
1. Depth Concerns
One of the most immediate concerns for Ohio State would be the loss of depth at the quarterback position. While McCord and Brown are the two top options, the Buckeyes also have Tanner McCalister and Jaxon Smith-Njigba on the roster. If one of the top quarterbacks transfers, Ohio State would be left with a thinner depth chart at the most important position on the field.
In the modern college football landscape, having multiple capable quarterbacks is crucial, especially given the unpredictability of injuries and performance issues. Losing one of their top two quarterbacks could make Ohio State more vulnerable to any unforeseen challenges during the season. A lack of experience behind the starter could be a significant issue if the starting quarterback gets hurt or struggles.
2. Recruiting Ramifications
Losing a quarterback to the transfer portal can also have recruiting implications. Top quarterbacks, especially those with high potential, tend to recruit other top players to the program, helping to elevate the overall talent level. If one of Ohio State’s quarterbacks leaves, it could send a signal to recruits that the program may not offer the kind of stability they are looking for at the quarterback position.
Additionally, if a quarterback transfers out, Ohio State could be at a disadvantage when it comes to attracting new quarterback talent in future recruiting classes. Highly touted quarterbacks often want to go to schools where they feel they can compete for the starting job, and if Ohio State appears to have an unsettled quarterback situation, it could impact their ability to land high-profile recruits down the line.
3. Team Chemistry and Development
While the competitive environment can be healthy, a quarterback transfer could disrupt team chemistry, particularly if the departure occurs during the offseason. Losing a player who had been part of the team dynamic could lead to a loss of continuity and trust among players. The quarterback position is particularly important in this regard, as the signal-caller is the leader on the field and a key figure in the locker room.
The coaching staff would also need to spend additional time reworking the offensive game plan to accommodate the remaining quarterbacks. A new starter would have to build rapport with the offensive line, wide receivers, and running backs, which could take time and disrupt the team’s rhythm. A mid-season quarterback change due to a transfer could throw off the entire offensive system, leading to inconsistencies and a potential decline in performance.
4. Adjusting Expectations for the Upcoming Season
If Ohio State were to lose one of its quarterbacks to the transfer portal, the program would have to adjust its expectations for the upcoming season. The coaching staff might have to make changes to their offensive strategy to accommodate the skills of the remaining quarterbacks, especially if the player who transfers is a highly skilled passer.
Moreover, the Buckeyes’ chances of competing for a Big Ten Championship or a spot in the College Football Playoff could be impacted. A sudden loss of depth at such a critical position might create a gap that is difficult to overcome, especially in a league as competitive as the Big Ten.
What Ohio State Can Do to Prevent a Quarterback Transfer
While the transfer portal is a reality that every program must navigate, there are steps Ohio State can take to prevent a quarterback from entering the portal.
- Transparent Communication: Ensuring that all quarterbacks understand their role within the program and are aware of the competition can help manage expectations. Open and honest communication between the coaching staff and the players can alleviate concerns about playing time and help maintain a positive atmosphere in the quarterback room.
- Strengthen Depth with Development: Ohio State could focus on developing more quarterbacks to ensure that even if one transfers, the team has a strong backup plan in place. This could involve giving the backup quarterbacks more opportunities to gain experience during practice or in non-conference games.
- Maximize Opportunities for Playing Time: Ohio State could consider giving each quarterback a chance to showcase their skills in meaningful game situations, especially in blowout victories. This would allow players to demonstrate their potential and feel more invested in the team, reducing the likelihood of transferring.
