Ohio State Makes a Significant Advancement in Their Search for an Award-Winning Star Quarterback
The Ohio State University has long been one of the most storied football programs in the country. From national championships to Heisman Trophy winners, the Buckeyes have consistently produced top-tier talent. In recent years, however, they’ve faced an evolving challenge at one of the most pivotal positions on the field: quarterback. After several years of solid play under quarterbacks like Justin Fields and Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State found itself looking to the future for its next star quarterback to lead the program back to national prominence.
That future might have just arrived.
The Buckeyes have made a significant advancement in their search for an award-winning star quarterback, a development that promises to change the course of the program for years to come. This breakthrough comes in the form of a highly touted incoming recruit, a coaching shift that re-emphasizes the importance of quarterback development, and a renewed focus on building around a dynamic offensive system. With all these factors coming into play, Ohio State looks poised to continue its legacy of success under center.
The Legacy of Ohio State Quarterbacks
Before diving into the current developments surrounding Ohio State’s quarterback situation, it’s important to understand the historical significance of the position for the Buckeyes. Ohio State has produced some of the most successful quarterbacks in college football history, many of whom have made an impact at the NFL level.
One of the most iconic quarterbacks in the program’s history is Archie Griffin, the only player to win the Heisman Trophy twice (1974, 1975). While Griffin is best known as a running back, his leadership under center was a crucial part of Ohio State’s success during his tenure. In recent years, however, quarterbacks such as Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields, and Troy Smith have defined the program’s offensive identity.
Dwayne Haskins, who played for the Buckeyes from 2016 to 2018, set multiple school records and was selected by the Washington Football Team (now the Washington Commanders) in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Justin Fields followed him in 2019 and continued the tradition of elite play at the quarterback position. Fields, who transferred from Georgia, took Ohio State to the College Football Playoff and was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2020.
Even prior to Haskins and Fields, Troy Smith led Ohio State to a national championship appearance in 2006 and won the Heisman Trophy in 2006, cementing his place in Buckeyes lore. Smith, along with quarterbacks like Craig Krenzel, who led Ohio State to a national championship in 2002, helped lay the foundation for the program’s modern success.
The Search for the Next Star
As Ohio State entered the 2020s, the program found itself at a crossroads. Fields, the talented dual-threat quarterback, declared for the NFL Draft after the 2020 season, leaving a void under center. While Ohio State had capable quarterbacks waiting in the wings, including C.J. Stroud, there were questions about who would take up the mantle of leading this high-powered offense.
The Buckeyes’ search for their next star quarterback became a point of emphasis for head coach Ryan Day, who took over as Ohio State’s head coach in 2019 after the departure of Urban Meyer. Day had proven himself as one of the most gifted offensive minds in the country, with a reputation for developing elite quarterbacks. His success with Haskins and Fields demonstrated his ability to help quarterbacks reach their full potential, but as the 2021 and 2022 seasons unfolded, the search for an award-winning quarterback became a larger narrative within the program.
During this period, C.J. Stroud, a former five-star recruit, emerged as Ohio State’s starting quarterback. His rise was rapid and impressive. Stroud, who played his first season in 2021, quickly became one of the best quarterbacks in the country, earning Heisman Trophy finalist honors and leading the Buckeyes to the College Football Playoff. However, despite his success, Stroud’s departure to the NFL after the 2023 season created another pivotal moment in Ohio State’s quarterback search.
Day and the Ohio State coaching staff knew that replacing a player of Stroud’s caliber would not be easy. However, the program was armed with strong recruiting pipelines, a tradition of developing top-tier quarterbacks, and a roster of talented players eager to step into the spotlight.
The Breakthrough: A Star Arrives
In the spring of 2024, Ohio State’s quarterback search hit a turning point when Jaden Rashada, a top-five ranked recruit in the class of 2024, signed with the Buckeyes. This decision was a game-changer for the program, signaling that Ohio State had secured one of the most promising young quarterbacks in the country.
Rashada, a dual-threat quarterback from California, possesses all the physical tools that could allow him to become the next great quarterback at Ohio State. Standing 6’4″ with a strong arm, Rashada’s ability to make throws from any platform on the field is complemented by his mobility and athleticism, which make him a threat both in the pocket and on the move. His high school career was marked by eye-popping statistics and performances, and he consistently faced some of the best competition in the country in California’s competitive high school football landscape.
The excitement surrounding Rashada’s commitment was palpable. He became the highest-rated quarterback recruit for Ohio State since Fields in 2018. His decision to commit to Ohio State, over offers from several other elite programs, was viewed as a signal of the Buckeyes’ ongoing dominance in recruiting and their ability to develop future NFL stars.
Building the Offense Around Rashada
With Rashada on board, Ohio State now has a quarterback who could potentially rival the best players in the country, but for him to truly shine, the program must continue to evolve and adjust its offensive system. Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson have already begun tailoring their approach to suit Rashada’s strengths.
Day has consistently shown his ability to adapt to the skills of his quarterbacks. With Fields, the offense became more of a run-first, dual-threat attack, while Haskins showcased a more traditional pocket-passing style. For Rashada, Day and Wilson are expected to build an offense that maximizes his dual-threat capabilities while also developing his skills as a passer. The ability to balance a high-octane air attack with a dynamic rushing game is something Ohio State has become known for, and Rashada’s versatility offers the potential to elevate the offense even further.
The offensive line is another critical component of this equation. Ohio State has consistently had one of the best offensive lines in the nation, and in 2024, they boast a talented group that will give Rashada the protection and time needed to execute the offense at its highest level. Players like Paris Johnson Jr. (if he returns for his senior season) will play a key role in ensuring that the quarterback has the support needed to succeed in the pocket.
Additionally, the Buckeyes’ skill position players are stacked. With elite wide receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Julian Fleming (who will likely return), Ohio State has one of the most talented receiving corps in the country. This will give Rashada the weapons he needs to excel, as he won’t be limited by a lack of talent on the outside.
The emphasis on developing a high-flying offense and a quarterback-friendly system will play a huge part in Rashada’s success, as it has for past Ohio State quarterbacks. If Rashada can continue to grow under the tutelage of Day and his staff, he has the potential to be the next Heisman finalist and the leader of a national championship contender.
The Competition
While Rashada may be the future of Ohio State football, the road to the starting position is far from guaranteed. He will face stiff competition from other quarterbacks in the 2024 roster, including Kyle McCord and Devin Brown, both of whom have experience in the system.
McCord, a former five-star recruit, had a solid 2023 season as a backup to Stroud, and many expect him to push for the starting job in 2024. Brown, on the other hand, brings an intriguing skill set, with great mobility and a strong arm that could give him an edge in certain situations. The competition will be fierce, and it will be interesting to see how Day handles the quarterback battle in the offseason and throughout the 2024 season.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Ohio State Football
If Jaden Rashada is able to meet the expectations set for him and take control of the starting quarterback position, Ohio State will be poised for continued success on the national stage. With a balanced, potent offense and a defense that remains one of the best in the country, the Buckeyes have the pieces in place to compete for a national championship in the near future.
The recruitment and development of a star quarterback is often seen as the most critical factor in determining a program’s success, and Ohio State appears to have found its next great quarterback in Rashada. With a rich history of quarterback play and a strong foundation in place, the Buckeyes are on track to remain a powerhouse in college football.
Ohio State’s future is bright, and with the addition of a player like Jaden Rashada, the Buckeyes’ quest for another Heisman Trophy winner and national championship title has never seemed closer.
In the coming years, Ohio State’s quarterback play could again define the program’s success and ensure that the Buckeyes remain at the top of college football for the foreseeable future.