Ohio State Promotes Former Penn State Player Billy Fessler to Quarterbacks Coach: A Look at His Rise and Future Impact
In a move that has captured the attention of both Ohio State fans and the broader college football community, the Ohio State University has announced the promotion of Billy Fessler, a former Penn State quarterback, to the prestigious position of quarterbacks coach. This promotion, which was finalized on February 20, 2025, represents a significant moment not only in Fessler’s coaching career but also for the future of Ohio State’s high-powered offense.
Billy Fessler’s journey from a walk-on player at Penn State to a key coaching figure at one of the most successful programs in college football speaks volumes about his dedication, perseverance, and football acumen. His promotion to quarterbacks coach marks a pivotal point in his coaching career, with the potential to shape the future of Ohio State’s quarterback development and overall offensive strategy.
This article delves into the story of Fessler’s football background, his path to becoming a coach, the significance of his promotion at Ohio State, and the potential impact of his leadership on the Buckeyes’ quarterback room moving forward.
From Walk-On to Big Ten Athlete: Billy Fessler’s Playing Career
Billy Fessler’s story begins in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he attended Erie Cathedral Preparatory School. As a high school quarterback, Fessler was already showing the kind of determination and skill that would become the hallmark of his career. During his high school tenure, Fessler was a four-year letterwinner, earning widespread recognition for his on-field abilities.
One of the most impressive aspects of Fessler’s high school career was his versatility. He showcased his dual-threat capability by both passing and rushing for significant yardage. Over his high school career, Fessler completed 199 of 364 passing attempts for 3,606 yards and 47 touchdowns, while also rushing for 407 yards and ten touchdowns. His impressive statistics helped him earn a place in the spotlight, though not at the traditional recruiting levels of some of his peers.
After high school, Fessler took the unconventional route by walking on to the Penn State Nittany Lions football team, where he would soon become a key contributor, albeit in a limited role. His college career, spanning from 2014 to 2017, was not filled with starting opportunities, primarily due to the strong performances of established quarterbacks like Trace McSorley. As a result, Fessler served as a backup quarterback, but his leadership, work ethic, and understanding of the game did not go unnoticed.
Despite being limited to a backup role, Fessler did see some game action throughout his four years at Penn State. His most notable appearance came in 2017 when he completed one pass for eight yards in a rare outing. While Fessler’s college playing career may not have been characterized by starting experience or standout statistics, it played an integral role in shaping his understanding of the quarterback position and the inner workings of a top-tier college football program.
After concluding his playing days at Penn State, Fessler knew that his love for football and his understanding of the game could lead to a fruitful coaching career. He would soon begin to make a name for himself off the field.
The Road to Coaching: Fessler’s Early Career
Billy Fessler’s transition from player to coach began shortly after his time at Penn State. His first coaching opportunity came in 2018 when he joined Slippery Rock University as a graduate assistant. It was here that Fessler began to hone his skills as a coach, working closely with players to improve their techniques and develop their understanding of offensive systems. This role, while modest, provided him with invaluable experience in the world of coaching and was a stepping stone to more significant opportunities in the future.
In 2019, Fessler moved to Mississippi State University, where he continued his work as a graduate assistant. During his time at Mississippi State, Fessler worked under head coach Joe Moorhead, who would later become a key figure in Fessler’s coaching career. At Mississippi State, Fessler gained exposure to the SEC’s competitive environment, where he could see how top-tier programs structured their offenses and developed their quarterbacks.
After a season at Mississippi State, Fessler’s coaching career took a notable step forward when he joined the Ohio State University football program in 2020. At Ohio State, Fessler worked as an offensive graduate assistant, contributing to the development of the Buckeyes’ dynamic offense. His time at Ohio State further expanded his knowledge of offensive football, allowing him to work alongside some of the brightest minds in college football.
Fessler’s journey continued to progress with a move to the University of Akron in 2022. At Akron, he served as the quarterbacks coach, further refining his ability to develop quarterbacks and craft offensive strategies. His work at Akron quickly earned recognition, and in 2023, Fessler was promoted to offensive coordinator, making him one of the youngest offensive coordinators in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). His time at Akron was marked by his ability to lead the offense and guide the development of his quarterbacks, including in-game situations and player improvement.
Fessler’s brief stint at UCLA in 2024, where he was hired as the quarterbacks coach, was yet another chapter in his rapid ascent through the ranks of college football coaching. However, in another turn of fate, Fessler left UCLA to reunite with Joe Moorhead at Ohio State, marking a return to a program he was familiar with and respected.
Ohio State’s Commitment to Excellence: Fessler’s Promotion
In February 2025, the Ohio State Buckeyes football program announced that Fessler would be promoted to quarterbacks coach, taking over for the outgoing Chip Kelly, who left to become the offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders. The timing of Fessler’s promotion is particularly significant as it coincides with other shifts within the Ohio State coaching staff. Brian Hartline, a former Buckeye wide receiver, was elevated to the role of offensive coordinator, and Tyler Bowen is expected to join as the new offensive line coach and run game coordinator. These changes represent a restructuring of the offensive coaching staff, one that aims to maintain Ohio State’s place at the top of college football.
Fessler’s promotion to quarterbacks coach is a natural progression, given his experience as a coach, his ability to develop quarterbacks, and his understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of college football. His previous work with quarterbacks at Akron and UCLA provides him with the insight needed to work with the talented group of quarterbacks currently on Ohio State’s roster.
Ohio State has long been a program known for producing elite quarterbacks, including Heisman Trophy winners like Troy Smith, Justin Fields, and Dwayne Haskins. With Fessler at the helm, there are high expectations that the Buckeyes’ quarterback development will continue to thrive, especially with the quarterback room filled with potential stars such as Kyle McCord and Devin Brown.
The Impact of Billy Fessler’s Leadership on Ohio State’s Quarterback Room
As Fessler steps into his new role, much will be expected of him in terms of mentoring and developing the quarterbacks at Ohio State. The Buckeyes are consistently one of the most competitive teams in the nation, and maintaining the level of quarterback play that fans expect will be a priority for Fessler.
One of the biggest challenges for Fessler will be working with the existing talent on the roster while identifying future prospects who can take Ohio State’s offense to new heights. With Ohio State’s reputation for producing top-tier quarterbacks, Fessler will be tasked with continuing that tradition and further developing the skills of the quarterbacks he oversees. His ability to work with young quarterbacks and help them grow into mature, effective players will be critical to Ohio State’s long-term success.
Furthermore, Fessler’s experiences with different offensive systems and his previous roles at various universities provide him with a unique perspective on how to approach quarterback development. He has worked with quarterbacks in both traditional and up-tempo systems, and his ability to tailor his coaching style to suit the strengths of his players will be an asset to Ohio State’s offensive strategy.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Billy Fessler and Ohio State
Billy Fessler’s promotion to quarterbacks coach at Ohio State is an exciting development for both the coach and the program. From his humble beginnings as a walk-on quarterback at Penn State to his rise as one of the brightest young minds in college football coaching, Fessler has proven that his knowledge of the game and his work ethic have earned him this prestigious role.
As Fessler begins his new chapter at Ohio State, there is no doubt that he will have a lasting impact on the program. With his expertise and leadership, Fessler has the potential to shape the Buckeyes’ quarterback room for years to come, ensuring that Ohio State continues to be a powerhouse in the world of college football. The future is undoubtedly bright for both Billy Fessler and the Ohio State football program as they work together to achieve continued success on the national stage.