The Ohio State Buckeyes are no strangers to national attention, and when it comes to the quarterback position, the spotlight only intensifies. Once again, the Buckeyes find themselves making headlines after being handed a head-turning ranking in a recent evaluation of quarterback rooms across the country. In a college football landscape that values not just star power but also depth, potential, experience, and pedigree, Ohio State’s quarterback room stands tall among the elite—and for good reason.
Even with the departure of Kyle McCord, who transferred to Syracuse after starting for most of the 2023 season, the Buckeyes have reloaded with a level of talent that few programs can rival. The addition of Kansas State transfer Will Howard, a proven dual-threat quarterback with big-game experience, has solidified Ohio State’s 2025 outlook. Howard brings with him a wealth of playing time, having started 27 games over four seasons in Manhattan. He threw for over 5,600 yards and 48 touchdowns in his career with the Wildcats while also rushing for nearly 1,000 yards and 19 more scores. His physicality, poise under pressure, and ability to make plays both in and out of structure make him a serious weapon for Ryan Day and new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly.
But the story doesn’t end there.
Sitting behind Howard are a pair of former five-star recruits in Devin Brown and Lincoln Kienholz, both of whom have shown flashes of brilliance. Brown, who was in the running for the starting job last season, is still considered one of the more talented passers in the nation. His arm strength, athleticism, and football IQ are all top-tier, and he’s reportedly been highly engaged in offseason workouts, vying to keep himself in the mix for playing time. While injuries and inconsistency may have slowed his development in 2023, Brown still has the tools to be a future starter and a star in the right system.
Kienholz, on the other hand, is an intriguing prospect with a sky-high ceiling. Coming out of South Dakota, Kienholz was a multi-sport star in high school, and that versatility shows in his game. He’s agile, creative, and unafraid to take risks—traits that could make him dangerous once he fully adjusts to the speed of the college game. Though he saw limited action last season, the coaching staff remains high on his development trajectory.
And then there’s Julian Sayin, the former Alabama signee who transferred to Ohio State following Nick Saban’s retirement. Sayin was one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2024 recruiting class, and his arrival in Columbus sent shockwaves through the college football world. A cerebral passer with elite accuracy and a reputation as a tireless worker, Sayin may not see the field in 2025, but he represents the future of the position for the Buckeyes. The fact that Ohio State was able to land him despite the presence of multiple high-profile quarterbacks on the roster speaks volumes about the program’s gravitational pull and the confidence these young men have in the development they’ll receive under Ryan Day and Chip Kelly.
Sayin’s decision to leave Alabama, especially so soon after enrolling, wasn’t taken lightly. But with the coaching uncertainty in Tuscaloosa following Saban’s exit and the clear quarterback roadmap available in Columbus, the move made sense. He joins an already loaded room and will benefit from a year or two of development before potentially taking over the reins of one of college football’s premier programs.
The cumulative talent, depth, and competition in this quarterback room are the reasons behind the lofty national ranking that turned so many heads this week. Analysts have placed Ohio State’s quarterback room either at or near the top spot nationally, with some arguing that no other program has such a deep and talented group from top to bottom. That type of ranking isn’t just about who starts Week 1—it’s a reflection of how strong the room is as a whole, how it’s built for both the present and the future.
There’s also the not-so-small matter of Ryan Day’s track record with quarterbacks. While he’s taken his fair share of criticism for not yet delivering a national championship, there’s no denying his impact on quarterback development. Since taking over as the primary offensive architect in Columbus, Day has overseen the growth of Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields, and C.J. Stroud—three quarterbacks who all went on to become first-round NFL Draft picks. His ability to tailor the offense to his quarterback’s strengths, coupled with his meticulous attention to detail in the passing game, makes Ohio State an ideal landing spot for any top signal-caller.
Now, with Chip Kelly joining the staff as offensive coordinator, the dynamic becomes even more intriguing. Kelly’s experience as both a college head coach and NFL play-caller brings new wrinkles to the Buckeyes’ offensive identity. Known for his innovative concepts, tempo-driven schemes, and quarterback-friendly systems, Kelly could be the perfect complement to Day’s already potent offensive vision. Together, they have the potential to create one of the most dangerous offenses in college football—one that’s perfectly equipped to unleash the full potential of this quarterback room.
It’s also important to consider the internal competition this ranking acknowledges. In an era where transfer portals often strip teams of depth, Ohio State has managed to not only attract elite talent but retain it. Players like Brown and Kienholz could easily seek starting opportunities elsewhere, and yet they’ve remained in Columbus. That speaks not only to the culture within the program but also to the faith these quarterbacks have in their development and eventual opportunities. Iron sharpens iron, and the battles in the Buckeyes’ quarterback room are as competitive as any in the country.
In fact, the presence of so much high-level competition may prove to be Ohio State’s greatest asset in 2025. Injuries happen. Slumps happen. Opposing defenses adjust. Having multiple quarterbacks who can start at a high level provides an insurance policy that few programs possess. It’s a luxury and a necessity in the modern game. And if the Buckeyes make a serious push for the College Football Playoff—and they are widely expected to—they’ll need every edge they can get.
Critics may point out that having too many quarterbacks can lead to locker room tension or player attrition, and those concerns aren’t entirely unfounded. Managing egos and expectations will be one of the biggest challenges facing Day and Kelly this fall. But so far, the early indications are positive. The quarterbacks have reportedly bonded during offseason training and film study, pushing each other while maintaining strong camaraderie. For now, the focus remains on winning—and winning big.
Ohio State’s schedule in 2025 will offer ample opportunity to showcase this quarterback depth. Early tests against Big Ten opponents, including road trips to Iowa and Wisconsin, as well as a season-defining clash with Michigan in Ann Arbor, will require consistent quarterback play. Whether it’s Howard leading the charge or someone else stepping in, the Buckeyes will have the tools to adapt and thrive.
Ultimately, this head-turning quarterback room ranking is about more than hype. It’s a recognition of the incredible job Ohio State has done building, maintaining, and developing talent at the most important position on the field. From Howard’s leadership and experience to Sayin’s limitless upside, this is a group that combines immediate production with long-term potential. It’s a room where the floor is high, the ceiling is higher, and the expectations are nothing short of national championship contention.
For Ohio State fans, the buzz surrounding this quarterback group is both exhilarating and reassuring. It’s a sign that the program remains one of the nation’s premier destinations for elite talent—and that the pursuit of greatness is alive and well in Columbus. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on who wins the starting job, how the depth shakes out, and whether this group can live up to the billing. But one thing is clear: when it comes to quarterbacks, Ohio State isn’t just in the conversation—they’re leading it.
