Ohio State QB Race is Wide Open for 2025, Ryan Day Confirms
As the 2025 college football season approaches, one of the most closely watched position battles at Ohio State will be at quarterback. After a successful but ultimately tumultuous 2024 campaign, in which Ohio State made a strong run at a College Football Playoff berth but fell short in the Big Ten Championship, the program is now facing a critical decision about who will take the reins at the most high-profile position on the field: quarterback.
Ryan Day, head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, has confirmed that the quarterback race for the 2025 season is “wide open.” This announcement comes as a bit of a surprise considering the Buckeyes’ usual reputation for having a steady, experienced leader under center. Historically, Ohio State has had a number of standout quarterbacks, including names like Justin Fields, Dwayne Haskins, and CJ Stroud, who have gone on to significant success both in college and the NFL. However, as Ohio State turns the page on the 2024 season, the team finds itself with a unique challenge.
The Buckeyes will need to navigate a potentially season-defining quarterback battle as they seek to return to the pinnacle of college football. With a talented roster, a championship-caliber defense, and a dynamic group of skill players, Ohio State’s success in 2025 will likely hinge on who wins the starting quarterback job.
In this article, we will break down the quarterback situation at Ohio State, the candidates vying for the starting job, what Ryan Day has said about the competition, and what this battle means for the team’s national championship aspirations.
The Importance of the Quarterback Position at Ohio State
At Ohio State, the quarterback position is perhaps the most closely scrutinized role in all of college football. The Buckeyes consistently recruit and develop some of the best quarterbacks in the nation, and the expectations for success at the position are high.
Over the past decade, Ohio State has seen incredible quarterback play, leading to successful seasons and appearances in the College Football Playoff. From J.T. Barrett and Dwayne Haskins to Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud, Ohio State’s quarterbacks have been integral to the team’s national title aspirations. However, with the departure of Stroud to the NFL, the Buckeyes are looking for their next standout quarterback.
The importance of having a leader under center cannot be overstated. Ohio State’s offense is designed to be fast-paced and dynamic, utilizing the passing game to stretch defenses while also having the ability to pound the ball on the ground. The quarterback must be able to make quick decisions, manage the game, and keep the offense in rhythm while also taking shots downfield when the opportunity arises.
It’s not just the offensive success that depends on the quarterback. Ohio State’s defense is built to win championships, and an effective offense that can control the game and sustain drives will relieve pressure on the defense and allow them to perform at their highest level.
As Ryan Day steps into the 2025 season, he faces the challenging task of identifying who will be the next great Ohio State quarterback.
Ryan Day’s Comments on the 2025 Quarterback Battle
Head coach Ryan Day has been forthright about the quarterback competition for the 2025 season, acknowledging that there is no clear frontrunner. He made it clear in recent media interviews that the starting quarterback spot is wide open and that multiple players will be given a chance to earn the role through performance during the offseason and in spring practices.
“We’re excited about the talent we have at the quarterback position, but we’re also in a situation where the race is wide open,” Day said. “We’re going to let these guys compete and show us what they can do. We’ve got a lot of talent, but the starting job is something that has to be earned, not given.”
This type of open competition is not entirely new for Ohio State, but it is rare for the Buckeyes to enter a season without a clear starting quarterback heading into spring practice. The 2025 season represents a new chapter for Ohio State football, as Day looks to continue the program’s success while addressing the uncertainty at the most important position on the field.
“We have several quarterbacks who have the potential to be very good. It’s going to come down to who can perform under pressure, who can handle the ups and downs of a college football season, and who gives us the best chance to win games,” Day continued. “We’re going to give them all a fair shot, and we’ll see where it takes us.”
The Candidates for the 2025 Ohio State Quarterback Job
While it’s clear that the starting quarterback job is up for grabs, there are several players who are considered frontrunners in the competition. Let’s take a closer look at the key quarterbacks who will be vying for the starting job in 2025.
Kyle McCord (Redshirt Sophomore)
Kyle McCord has been a key figure in Ohio State’s quarterback depth chart over the past few years. As a redshirt sophomore, McCord has had the benefit of learning from former starters C.J. Stroud and Justin Fields while also getting some playing time in crucial situations.
McCord has a strong arm, impressive mechanics, and good size for a quarterback. He also has experience in Ohio State’s system, having participated in several games as a backup quarterback. His understanding of the offense and his ability to read defenses make him a strong contender for the starting job.
Despite this, McCord will need to demonstrate consistency and leadership on the field in 2025. His experience is valuable, but he has yet to prove himself as a starter in a high-pressure environment.
Devin Brown (True Freshman)
Devin Brown is one of the most exciting quarterbacks in Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class. The highly touted recruit has an elite skill set, with a live arm, great mobility, and a high football IQ. Brown has all the tools to thrive in Ryan Day’s offense, and his athleticism allows him to extend plays with his legs when necessary.
Brown’s ability to make all the throws and his playmaking ability make him an intriguing prospect to take over as Ohio State’s next starting quarterback. The big question for Brown will be how quickly he can adapt to the speed of the college game and whether he can compete with McCord and others for the starting spot.
Jagger LaRoe (Redshirt Freshman)
Jagger LaRoe is a bit of a wildcard in this quarterback competition. The redshirt freshman has yet to see significant playing time but has impressed coaches with his work ethic and strong arm. While LaRoe may be considered a long shot to win the starting job in 2025, he’s certainly a player to keep an eye on. If he shows significant improvement during the offseason and throughout spring practice, he could very well challenge McCord and Brown for the starting position.
Tristan Gebbia (Graduate Transfer)
Tristan Gebbia is a graduate transfer who comes to Ohio State with a wealth of experience at the collegiate level. Although Gebbia is not as highly regarded as McCord or Brown in terms of raw talent, his experience and leadership abilities give him a shot to make an impact in the quarterback competition.
Gebbia has played at a few different programs during his college career, and his experience in big games could be valuable to Ohio State in 2025. While he may not have the same upside as some of the other quarterbacks, his experience in pressure situations could give him an edge when it comes to winning the job.
The Importance of the Quarterback Battle for Ohio State’s 2025 Season
While the quarterback battle is a critical storyline heading into the 2025 season, it’s important to remember that Ohio State’s success will depend on more than just the performance of the quarterback. The Buckeyes have a talented roster across the board, with a top-tier defense, an explosive group of skill players, and a strong offensive line. The quarterback will need to be able to manage the game, make smart decisions, and take advantage of the talent surrounding him.
However, Ohio State’s championship aspirations will ultimately come down to the performance of the quarterback. As Day has noted, the Buckeyes need someone who can step up under press