An NFL Prospect Can Make Ohio State Football’s Ryan Day Even More Appealing to Quarterbacks
Ohio State football head coach Ryan Day has long been recognized as one of the most respected offensive minds in college football, especially when it comes to developing quarterbacks. His reputation has been solidified by his success with top-tier talents like Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields, and CJ Stroud—all of whom have transitioned from being stars at Ohio State to thriving in the NFL. However, there’s one particular factor that could make Day’s program even more attractive to elite quarterback prospects moving forward, and that’s the emergence of a potential NFL-ready prospect within Ohio State’s system.
The presence of a high-profile quarterback prospect who is primed for a successful NFL career can have a ripple effect across recruiting, especially in a quarterback-driven sport like college football. For Ryan Day and Ohio State, the possibility of developing another first-round caliber quarterback could be the key to drawing even more talented quarterbacks to the Buckeyes, thus reinforcing the team’s future success at the position.
Ryan Day’s Proven Track Record with Quarterbacks
Ryan Day’s track record with quarterbacks is hard to ignore. Since taking over as head coach in 2019, he has developed some of the most accomplished quarterbacks in recent history. Dwayne Haskins was a Heisman finalist and the No. 15 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Justin Fields led Ohio State to a national championship appearance in 2021 and was drafted by the Chicago Bears with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Most recently, CJ Stroud has emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in college football, likely to be a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Under Day, Ohio State quarterbacks have been consistently productive in both college and the NFL. This success has earned Day a reputation as a quarterback whisperer—someone capable of molding young talent into professional-level quarterbacks. It’s no surprise that top recruits continue to flock to Ohio State to play for Day, particularly with the promise of developing under a coach with such a solid reputation in quarterback development.
But beyond Day’s coaching, there’s another aspect that could elevate Ohio State’s recruiting efforts to even greater heights—the continued success of a future NFL prospect who rises through the ranks in Day’s system.
How a Top NFL Prospect Could Impact Ohio State’s Recruiting
The emergence of another elite NFL-bound quarterback could serve as a catalyst for further success in recruiting for Day’s program. Here’s how:
- Proof of Development: A quarterback who achieves success in the NFL after playing under Day provides a tangible, real-world example of how the Ohio State system works. Prospects can look at the journey of a Day-coached quarterback and see the clear path from Ohio State’s offense to the NFL. This validation is incredibly important for high school quarterbacks, who want to develop into NFL-caliber players themselves. Knowing that Day has a proven track record of helping quarterbacks reach the next level will make Ohio State an even more appealing destination.
- Increased Visibility and Recruiting Momentum: When a quarterback prospect has a successful NFL career, it elevates the entire program’s reputation. Take, for instance, Justin Fields, whose ascension to the NFL and subsequent success with the Chicago Bears increased the visibility of Ohio State’s football program. Top quarterbacks nationwide take notice of how players like Fields, Haskins, and Stroud have translated their success into professional opportunities. The positive attention and media exposure that comes with a former Buckeye quarterback’s rise to NFL stardom help build momentum for future recruiting classes.
- Building Relationships with Top Prospects: A former Ohio State quarterback playing at the highest level offers a unique opportunity for recruiting. Future quarterback prospects often want to connect with someone who has been through the process, someone who understands what it takes to succeed under Day’s system. An established NFL quarterback can help mentor and build relationships with high school recruits, offering advice on the college transition, what it takes to succeed under Day, and the value of developing at a program like Ohio State. This relationship-building can be a significant factor in a recruit’s decision-making process.
- A Compelling Selling Point for Quarterback Recruits: High school quarterbacks who are considering where to play in college are often drawn to programs where they can have the most exposure, develop quickly, and ultimately be prepared for the NFL. Ohio State’s reputation for producing NFL quarterbacks under Ryan Day is already a strong selling point, but if another one of Day’s quarterbacks goes on to have a successful career in the NFL, it will provide even more fuel for Day’s pitch to future recruits. Ohio State will have the undeniable advantage of being the school where a consistent stream of quarterbacks has made the leap from college star to NFL prospect.
The Importance of a True NFL Prospect
While Ryan Day has demonstrated that he can take nearly any talented quarterback and maximize their potential, having a true NFL prospect on the roster can be a game-changer. These types of quarterbacks bring with them an aura of legitimacy, as their skills are recognized by scouts, coaches, and analysts alike. When an Ohio State quarterback is projected as an NFL prospect, it sends a clear signal to potential recruits that the Buckeyes can provide the right environment for quarterbacks to develop into top-tier talents.
Additionally, an incoming quarterback with the potential to be an NFL prospect provides immediate competition for others in the room. Competition breeds excellence, and this can have a positive effect on both current and future quarterbacks at Ohio State. The thought of being part of a quarterback room with an NFL prospect pushes everyone to improve and step up their game. It creates a culture of excellence and hard work, which can benefit the entire team, not just the quarterback position.
Ohio State’s Path to Developing NFL Quarterbacks
Ohio State has the infrastructure in place to continue developing quarterbacks who are poised to succeed at the next level. The team boasts a world-class coaching staff, one of the best offensive systems in college football, and an environment conducive to developing NFL-caliber talent. Furthermore, the competition in the Big Ten and Ohio State’s schedule in the College Football Playoff picture give quarterbacks ample opportunities to showcase their skills on a national stage.
What makes Ohio State even more appealing to quarterbacks is its offensive system under Ryan Day, which mirrors many aspects of an NFL offense. Day’s pass-heavy, pro-style offense is designed to prepare quarterbacks for the rigors of professional football. With a history of utilizing quarterbacks who can excel in both the pocket and on the move, Day ensures that his quarterbacks are well-prepared for any situation at the next level. When recruits see the success of past quarterbacks like Fields and Stroud, they realize that Ohio State is the place to be if they want to make it to the NFL.
A Future Full of Opportunity
As Ohio State continues to recruit elite talent at the quarterback position, it is clear that Day’s reputation as a quarterback guru is only growing stronger. If another quarterback under Day’s tutelage emerges as a future NFL prospect, it will be another powerful feather in Ohio State’s cap and will only solidify its place as one of the premier programs in the country for developing future stars.
For Ryan Day, the ability to develop top quarterbacks and send them to the NFL is an ongoing mission that will continue to benefit the program. By providing recruits with the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of players who have achieved success at both the college and professional levels, Ohio State becomes an even more desirable destination for the nation’s best quarterback prospects.
For high school quarterbacks looking to take their game to the next level, Ohio State offers a proven pathway to success. The combination of Ryan Day’s coaching expertise, Ohio State’s powerful offensive system, and the chance to develop under an NFL-caliber quarterback make the Buckeyes one of the most attractive programs in the country. And with another potential future NFL prospect in the pipeline, the Buckeyes’ quarterback room will continue to draw elite recruits who want to follow in the footsteps of the next Ohio State great.