The current state of the Ohio State football quarterback competition as spring training gets underway

The Current State of the Ohio State Football Quarterback Competition as Spring Training Gets Underway

As the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare for the 2024 season, one of the most intriguing storylines heading into spring training is the quarterback competition. With CJ Stroud, a star quarterback who led Ohio State to multiple College Football Playoff appearances, now in the NFL, the Buckeyes are left with a significant void to fill. Ryan Day, the program’s head coach, is no stranger to the spotlight at the quarterback position, having developed high-level signal-callers like Justin Fields and Stroud during his tenure. However, the 2024 season will feature a new challenge—finding Stroud’s successor.

While Ohio State has been a quarterback factory, churning out talented quarterbacks year after year, this spring, the competition is wide open. With a pool of quarterbacks vying for the starting role, every practice, drill, and scrimmage is a crucial opportunity to earn the starting job. As the Buckeyes take the field for spring training, several key players are in the hunt, each with different skill sets, backgrounds, and potential.

This article will break down the quarterback competition at Ohio State, analyzing the players in the mix, the dynamics of the competition, and the implications of the upcoming season for both the players and the program.

The Contenders: Who Are the Key Quarterbacks in the Competition?

The quarterback battle at Ohio State has a few key contenders, each with different experience levels, styles of play, and skill sets. Ryan Day has made it clear that the best player will win the job, and the competition will be fierce. Let’s take a closer look at the top quarterbacks who are expected to be in the mix for the starting role.

1. Kyle McCord (Redshirt Sophomore)

Kyle McCord is perhaps the most well-known of the contenders. A highly-touted recruit from Philadelphia, McCord came to Ohio State as a five-star prospect in the 2021 class. McCord has spent two seasons as the backup quarterback to CJ Stroud, and he has had ample opportunity to learn the offense and gain experience in practice. His familiarity with the system and his time in the program make him one of the frontrunners for the starting position.

In 2022, McCord saw action in several games when Stroud was sidelined or when the outcome of a game was already decided. McCord’s most significant outing came in a game against Akron, where he was given the reins in the second half and delivered a solid performance, showing flashes of the talent that made him a highly ranked recruit. He finished the season with impressive numbers, albeit in limited action.

The 2023 season was another chance for McCord to showcase his ability, as he came in for mop-up duty in several games, continuing to hone his skills in live-action situations. However, with Stroud leaving for the NFL, McCord now finds himself with an opportunity to earn the starting role and show that he is ready to lead one of the most high-profile offenses in college football.

McCord’s strengths lie in his polished mechanics, deep ball accuracy, and poise in the pocket. He has a strong arm and can make all the necessary throws required in Ohio State’s pass-heavy offense. Additionally, McCord is known for his football IQ and ability to read defenses, traits that will serve him well as he competes for the starting job.

2. Devin Brown (Redshirt Freshman)

Devin Brown, another high-profile recruit, represents a more dynamic option in the competition. A highly-ranked quarterback in the 2022 recruiting class, Brown arrived at Ohio State with an impressive skill set that includes a strong arm, quick release, and dual-threat capability. While he spent most of his first season in a backup role, Brown gained valuable experience and showed promise as a backup quarterback behind Stroud.

One of Brown’s most notable qualities is his mobility. Unlike McCord, Brown offers a more dual-threat approach to the quarterback position. He is comfortable scrambling outside the pocket and creating plays with his legs, making him a potential weapon in Ohio State’s offense. His athleticism, paired with his solid arm strength and accuracy, gives him the tools needed to succeed in both traditional and RPO-based schemes.

During spring practices, Brown has been given a fair share of reps with the first-team offense, which indicates that Ryan Day sees potential in him. While McCord may have the edge in terms of experience, Brown’s upside as a dynamic playmaker could be a deciding factor in the competition. His mobility, leadership, and ability to extend plays are qualities that Ohio State will want to explore, especially in a system that often demands quick decision-making and flexibility in the pocket.

3. Tristan Gebbia (Graduate Transfer)

While the focus has primarily been on McCord and Brown, there is also a third option in the quarterback competition: Tristan Gebbia, a graduate transfer from Oregon State. Gebbia, who has been a part of several college programs, brings experience and leadership to the table, although he is considered more of a long shot to win the starting job.

Gebbia has spent several years at Oregon State and has seen limited playing time in his college career. His experience could be valuable in terms of providing depth and a steady presence in the quarterback room, but it is unlikely that he will unseat McCord or Brown for the starting job. Nevertheless, Gebbia’s presence in the competition ensures that the Buckeyes have an experienced option in the event of injuries or other unforeseen circumstances.

4. Freshman Quarterbacks: Brock Glenn and Lincoln Kienholz

While the primary focus in the 2024 quarterback battle will be on McCord, Brown, and Gebbia, Ohio State also brought in a pair of freshman quarterbacks: Brock Glenn and Lincoln Kienholz. Both are highly rated recruits, but it’s unlikely that either will be able to challenge for the starting job in their first season.

Glenn, a four-star prospect from Memphis, is known for his accuracy and his ability to lead an offense. He’s a traditional pocket passer who excels at making quick decisions and hitting his receivers in stride. Kienholz, a dual-threat quarterback from South Dakota, is a more athletic option, known for his ability to extend plays with his legs and create opportunities outside the pocket.

While neither freshman is expected to take over the starting role in 2024, both will be valuable in the long-term development of the program and could provide depth in case of injuries or further competition in future seasons.

The Competition: What Are the Key Factors?

As the spring practices unfold, the quarterback competition at Ohio State will be driven by several factors. Ultimately, the starting job will be determined by who can best execute Ryan Day’s offensive scheme and lead the team to success on the field.

1. Familiarity with the Offense

Kyle McCord has the advantage when it comes to familiarity with Ohio State’s offense. After spending two seasons as a backup, he has had the chance to learn the nuances of Day’s high-tempo, pass-heavy system. This familiarity should allow McCord to execute plays more efficiently and make quicker decisions on the field.

On the other hand, Devin Brown’s lack of experience in the system may be a disadvantage, though he has shown the ability to pick things up quickly. His mobility could give him an edge in certain situations, especially if Day decides to incorporate more dual-threat plays into the offense.

2. Decision-Making and Poise

Quarterbacks are tasked with making split-second decisions under pressure, and the ability to stay composed in critical moments is essential. McCord’s experience may give him an edge in this department, as he has already faced live game situations, including significant moments in Ohio State’s blowout victories. However, Brown’s athleticism allows him to stay calm in the pocket and make plays when the defense forces him out of his comfort zone.

3. Arm Strength and Accuracy

Both McCord and Brown possess strong arms, but McCord’s ability to make deep throws with accuracy might give him an edge in Ohio State’s explosive offensive system. Brown, while capable of making all the necessary throws, is often considered a more dynamic option who can make up for mistakes with his legs.

4. Leadership and Intangibles

In a program like Ohio State, leadership is paramount. Both McCord and Brown will be judged on their ability to rally the team, command the huddle, and respond to adversity. McCord, having been in the program for a few years, has already developed relationships with the team’s key players, which could make him the natural leader in the locker room. However, Brown’s fire and enthusiasm could earn him the respect of his teammates, especially if he displays the confidence to make plays and elevate the offense.

The Road Ahead: What’s at Stake?

The quarterback competition at Ohio State isn’t just about winning a starting job; it’s about continuing the program’s elite standard of play at the position. Ohio State has a tradition of producing Heisman Trophy finalists, national championship contenders, and top NFL draft picks at quarterback, and whoever wins the job in 2024 will be expected to carry on that legacy.

For McCord, 2024 represents a chance to step out of Stroud’s shadow and prove he has what it takes to lead the Buckeyes to another College Football Playoff appearance. For Brown, it’s an opportunity to make his mark as the dynamic quarterback who can elevate Ohio State’s offense in ways Stroud and McCord never could.