Ryan Day Delivers a Bold Statement About the Upcoming Quarterback Competition for the Ohio State Buckeyes
As the 2025 season looms, the Ohio State Buckeyes find themselves in an unfamiliar position: they have no clear-cut starting quarterback. Following the departure of C.J. Stroud, one of the most decorated quarterbacks in Ohio State history, the program faces a significant challenge in filling the void left behind. In a recent interview, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day delivered a bold statement that immediately turned heads across the college football landscape, confirming that the quarterback competition for the 2025 season is “wide open.”
While it’s not uncommon for top college football programs to enter spring practice with an ongoing quarterback battle, the stakes for Ohio State couldn’t be higher. The Buckeyes are coming off a season where they fell just short of a College Football Playoff appearance. As one of the premier programs in the nation, the expectation for Ohio State is clear: anything less than a playoff berth and a shot at the national title is considered a disappointment.
Given the history of elite quarterbacks who have donned the scarlet and gray, the task of finding the next standout signal-caller is daunting. However, Day’s bold proclamation has energized the fan base and shifted the focus of the offseason to a position battle that will ultimately define the course of Ohio State’s 2025 season.
Ryan Day’s Statement: Why It’s Bold and Important
In an era where college football teams often have a quarterback who is widely expected to start—especially when a program has top-tier talent and high expectations like Ohio State—Day’s decision to declare the competition “wide open” is a bold one. It signals that no player has been guaranteed the starting role, even if they have years of experience or past accolades.
“I want to make it very clear,” Day said in his statement. “The quarterback competition for this upcoming season is wide open. We have some very talented players, and we’re going to give them all a fair shot. I’m looking for a guy who can handle the pressure, lead this team, and make big plays when it matters. We’ll evaluate them in every practice and every game, and the best player will get the job.”
This approach shows a refreshing level of transparency from Day, who is not simply looking to pencil in a starter based on seniority or prior experience. Instead, he is committing to evaluating each quarterback based on their performance in real-time situations, including practices, scrimmages, and potentially even in the games leading up to the season opener. Day’s decision to level the playing field for all contenders is a testament to his belief in the talent he has on hand and his confidence that competition breeds excellence.
For Ohio State, this quarterback battle is about more than just finding a starter—it’s about finding the leader who can navigate the unique pressure of playing for one of the most prestigious programs in the country. The Buckeyes consistently recruit and develop elite talent, and the quarterback position is arguably the most important of them all. Day’s statement clarifies that he will not settle for mediocrity, and he will push his quarterbacks to prove themselves worthy of the starting role.
Who’s Competing for the Starting Job?
So, who will be the ones battling for the coveted role of Ohio State’s starting quarterback in 2025? As of now, there are several players who have a legitimate shot at earning the job, and each brings their own unique skill set and strengths to the table. Let’s take a closer look at the leading candidates in the quarterback race:
Kyle McCord (Redshirt Sophomore)
Perhaps the most experienced option in the quarterback room is Kyle McCord, a redshirt sophomore who has been with the program for several years. McCord has served as a backup to C.J. Stroud, gaining valuable experience in practice and a handful of game situations. He has the physical tools necessary to excel in Ohio State’s high-powered offense, including a strong arm and the ability to make all the throws.
McCord’s experience and familiarity with Ohio State’s offensive system give him a slight edge over some of the other quarterbacks in the competition. However, he has yet to be tested in a full-time starting role and will need to show that he can handle the pressure of leading one of college football’s elite teams. His ability to take command of the huddle and consistently make the right decisions under pressure will be key in winning the starting job.
Devin Brown (True Freshman)
Another quarterback in the mix is Devin Brown, a highly rated recruit who arrives at Ohio State with plenty of hype surrounding him. Known for his incredible arm strength, athleticism, and playmaking ability, Brown is one of the most highly anticipated quarterbacks in recent Ohio State history. His talent is undeniable, and many believe that he has the potential to be the Buckeyes’ next great quarterback.
However, as a true freshman, Brown will face the challenge of adjusting to the speed of the college game and earning the trust of the coaching staff and his teammates. While he has the physical traits to succeed, there’s a lot of uncertainty about how quickly he can develop into a polished starting quarterback. If Brown is able to prove himself during spring practices and training camp, he could very well surprise everyone and earn the starting job.
Jagger LaRoe (Redshirt Freshman)
Another name to keep an eye on is Jagger LaRoe, a redshirt freshman who has spent time developing in Ohio State’s system. Although LaRoe is somewhat of a long shot compared to McCord and Brown, his skill set and knowledge of the offense make him a potential dark horse candidate for the starting role. LaRoe is an intriguing prospect due to his strong arm and natural football instincts, but he will need to demonstrate consistent improvement in order to compete with the more high-profile quarterbacks in the room.
Tristan Gebbia (Graduate Transfer)
A wild card in the quarterback competition is Tristan Gebbia, a graduate transfer who joins Ohio State with experience from previous stints at other programs. While Gebbia may not have the same raw talent as some of the younger quarterbacks on the roster, his leadership, poise under pressure, and extensive game experience could make him an intriguing option. Gebbia has been through the rigors of college football, and his ability to step in and lead in a high-pressure environment might give him an edge in certain situations. Still, he will need to prove that he can execute Ohio State’s high-flying offense effectively.
What’s at Stake for Ohio State?
The quarterback competition is crucial not only for the future of the program but also for the 2025 season as a whole. Ohio State has a championship-caliber roster surrounding the quarterback, and whoever earns the starting job will have the luxury of playing with a dynamic group of skill players, including an explosive group of wide receivers, an elite offensive line, and a strong defense. However, the pressure of succeeding at Ohio State is immense, and the quarterback will need to be able to handle the spotlight while leading a team with national championship aspirations.
Ohio State fans are accustomed to seeing elite quarterback play, and the program has set a high standard for the position. The question on everyone’s mind is: who will emerge as the next great Ohio State quarterback? Ryan Day’s bold statement that the competition is wide open sets the stage for an exciting and dramatic spring and summer as the Buckeyes sort through their options and ultimately decide who will lead the team in 2025.