Ohio State’s Quarterback Conundrum: Navigating Recent Setbacks and Future Prospects
The Ohio State Buckeyes have long been synonymous with excellence in college football, particularly at the quarterback position. From legends like Troy Smith to recent stars such as C.J. Stroud, the Buckeyes have consistently produced top-tier talent under center. However, the 2024 season and its aftermath have presented unprecedented challenges for the program, marked by unexpected departures and underwhelming performances. This article delves into the recent developments concerning Ohio State’s quarterbacks, analyzing the implications for the team’s future.
Kyle McCord’s Departure: A Surprising Turn
Kyle McCord entered the 2024 season as Ohio State’s starting quarterback, following in the footsteps of C.J. Stroud. Expectations were high, given the program’s rich history at the position. McCord’s tenure, however, was met with mixed reviews. He led the Buckeyes to an 11-1 record but faced criticism for his performance in pivotal games, notably the 30-24 loss to Michigan. In that matchup, McCord completed 57.6% of his passes for 175 yards, throwing two interceptions. Notably, none of his 33 passing attempts traveled more than 20 yards through the air, highlighting a conservative game plan that limited the offense’s explosiveness.
The culmination of the season saw McCord entering the transfer portal, a move that caught many off guard. In his announcement, McCord expressed gratitude for his time at Ohio State but cited a desire to explore other opportunities. This decision left a void at the quarterback position, prompting concerns about the team’s direction.
Devin Brown’s Transfer: Compounding the Challenge
Following McCord’s departure, attention turned to Devin Brown, the presumed successor. Brown’s journey at Ohio State was marred by injuries and limited playing time. He started the 2023 Cotton Bowl but suffered an ankle injury early in the game, sidelining him for the remainder of the contest. Despite these setbacks, Brown remained committed to the Buckeyes throughout their College Football Playoff run. However, on December 8, 2024, he announced his intention to transfer, seeking a starting role elsewhere.
Brown’s departure further exacerbated the quarterback dilemma, leaving the Buckeyes without an experienced signal-caller on the roster. The timing of these transfers raised questions about the program’s ability to retain talent and maintain stability at the most critical position.
Will Howard’s Struggles: A Setback at the NFL Combine
Compounding the Buckeyes’ quarterback woes, former star quarterback Will Howard faced significant challenges at the NFL Scouting Combine. Howard, who led Ohio State to a national championship, struggled during his throwing session, missing multiple passes to wide receivers. A viral clip depicted Howard missing open receivers on seven throws, leading to widespread criticism from fans and analysts alike. Despite the poor showing, Howard defended his performance, describing it as “decent.” Fellow quarterback Shedeur Sanders attributed the misses to the challenge of throwing to unfamiliar receivers. Howard, projected as a Day 3 draft pick, aimed to redeem himself during Ohio State’s Pro Day on March 26.
Recruitment and Future Prospects: A Glimmer of Hope
In the face of these challenges, Ohio State’s coaching staff has been proactive in securing the program’s future at quarterback. The Buckeyes have successfully recruited five-star prospect Julian Sayin, who is expected to compete for the starting role in the upcoming season. Sayin’s commitment underscores the program’s resilience and its ability to attract top talent, even amid uncertainty.
Additionally, the team has secured commitments from other promising quarterbacks, including Tavien St. Clair, further bolstering the depth chart. These recruits bring a renewed sense of optimism, as fans and analysts anticipate a return to offensive prowess under their leadership.