Ohio State Buckeyes Receive Concerning Update About QB Competition

In college football, the quarterback position is often the most scrutinized and vital position on the field. For the Ohio State Buckeyes, a historically successful and high-profile program, the quarterback battle has been under the spotlight for several seasons, with the 2025 competition bringing more uncertainty than expected. As the Buckeyes are preparing for another championship run, a concerning update regarding the quarterback competition has raised questions not only about the starting job but also about the team’s direction in the coming season.

Context: The Ohio State Legacy of Quarterback Excellence

Ohio State has a rich legacy at the quarterback position, with names like Troy Smith, Terrelle Pryor, J.T. Barrett, and Justin Fields cementing their place in Buckeye folklore. These quarterbacks have helped the team to national prominence, winning Big Ten championships, competing for national titles, and producing impressive individual accolades. The quarterback play has been a cornerstone of Ohio State’s offensive identity, with each starter leaving a significant legacy.

As such, each year’s quarterback competition is highly anticipated, with fans and media closely watching the development of potential stars. The 2025 season was supposed to be another year of high hopes for the Buckeyes, but recent reports about the quarterback situation have put a damper on the excitement.

The Quarterback Contenders

As Ohio State began its 2025 preseason, several candidates were vying for the starting quarterback position. The competition appeared to be between two primary contenders: Kyle McCord and Devin Brown. McCord, who had served as the backup to C.J. Stroud, Ohio State’s previous starting quarterback, had plenty of experience under his belt. On the other hand, Devin Brown, a highly touted recruit, was seen as the future of the program with his dynamic dual-threat abilities.

McCord was a seasoned presence in the Ohio State system, having learned behind Stroud, who was a first-round NFL draft pick. McCord’s playing time in the previous season included several key appearances, showcasing his ability to manage the offense and deliver solid performances in relief roles. His experience seemed like an advantage heading into the competition, but there was one key aspect that may have left room for doubt: McCord’s ability to consistently make game-winning plays when the pressure was on.

On the other hand, Devin Brown was the more hyped prospect. As a former four-star recruit, Brown’s high school film was eye-catching, showcasing his ability to both pass and run with the ball effectively. His mobility and strong arm were often compared to some of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in recent memory. Despite not having the same level of experience as McCord, Brown’s athleticism and potential were enough to make him a legitimate contender for the job.

The Update: A Concerning Turn of Events

The concerning update came during a series of practice sessions, where coaches and insiders noticed worrying trends that have complicated the quarterback competition. McCord, despite his experience, struggled with consistency, making poor decisions under pressure, and exhibiting a lack of confidence in some key situations. His timing on deep throws was erratic, and his decision-making in the red zone raised questions about whether he could be the leader the offense needed to succeed at the highest level.

Devin Brown, meanwhile, showed flashes of brilliance, but he was inconsistent in his execution. While he displayed impressive arm strength and athleticism, his mechanics were often sloppy, leading to inaccurate throws. Coaches were also concerned about his ability to read defenses at the collegiate level, often locking onto his first target and failing to progress through his reads. While Brown’s ceiling was undoubtedly high, it was clear that he still had a lot to learn before he could take over the starting role.

Reports from within the program indicated that neither quarterback was performing at a level that would inspire full confidence in the coaching staff. Head coach Ryan Day, known for his quarterback development acumen, was reportedly frustrated with the inconsistency shown by both McCord and Brown. As a result, there were growing concerns that Ohio State’s quarterback competition might not be settled in the way fans and analysts had hoped.

The Coaching Dilemma

Ryan Day has long been known as one of the top quarterback developers in college football, but this quarterback battle represents a unique challenge. Day’s success at Ohio State has been partially built on his ability to mold elite quarterbacks, but neither McCord nor Brown seemed ready to follow in the footsteps of past Ohio State legends. The lack of a clear frontrunner put Day in a tough position.

With the season fast approaching, Day and his coaching staff were left to navigate the delicate balance between developing a young quarterback and giving the team a chance to compete for a national title. The uncertainty at quarterback has impacted not only the team’s confidence but also their offensive strategy.

Ohio State’s offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson and quarterbacks coach Corey Dennis had to work tirelessly to refine the mechanics and decision-making of both McCord and Brown. Both quarterbacks were given extensive reps in practice, but the continued inconsistency led to questions about whether Ohio State had a true leader at the position. With a tough schedule ahead, including key matchups against Big Ten rivals, the lack of clarity at quarterback raised concerns about how ready Ohio State would be to compete at the highest level.

The Offensive Outlook Without a Clear QB1

A lack of clarity at quarterback can have a profound impact on a team’s offensive outlook. At Ohio State, where the offense has traditionally been high-powered and fast-paced, the uncertainty at the quarterback position could potentially lead to struggles early in the season. The Buckeyes’ offense relies on quick decisions, precise timing, and a quarterback who can effectively manage the game. Without that, even the most talented skill players may struggle to reach their full potential.

Both McCord and Brown have impressive physical tools, but neither has consistently shown that they can execute at the level required for Ohio State’s offense. McCord’s struggles with accuracy and decision-making may undermine his ability to take control of the offense, while Brown’s raw athleticism is still unrefined, and his inconsistencies could limit his ability to lead a championship-caliber team.

In addition, the offensive line and skill position players, including star wide receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, need stability at quarterback to fully maximize their abilities. These players are used to playing with elite quarterbacks, and a drop-off in quarterback play could stunt their potential as well.

Impact on Ohio State’s National Title Hopes

Ohio State’s goals for the 2025 season are clear: win the Big Ten, make the College Football Playoff, and compete for a national title. The quarterback position is arguably the most important factor in achieving these goals. Without a consistent and capable quarterback, Ohio State’s chances of competing for a championship could be severely limited.

The Buckeyes have a loaded roster, with a dynamic defense led by linebacker Steel Chambers and cornerback Denzel Burke, as well as a talented running back group headlined by Miyan Williams. The defense, paired with one of the best receiving corps in the country, could allow Ohio State to compete at a high level even if the quarterback position is unsettled. However, in a league as competitive as the Big Ten and a playoff race that includes several elite teams, the quarterback play will likely make or break Ohio State’s season.

Without a clear QB1, Ohio State could find itself in a situation where the offense struggles to develop chemistry early in the season. The lack of a clear leader could also lead to growing frustration and potential internal conflicts within the team, especially as high expectations continue to mount.

What’s Next for Ohio State’s Quarterback Situation?

As the 2025 season approaches, Ohio State is left to consider its next steps. The coaching staff will likely continue to give both McCord and Brown extensive reps in practice to see who emerges as the more consistent option. However, it’s possible that neither player will rise to the level expected of a true championship quarterback, which could result in further experimentation and rotation at the position.

In the event that neither McCord nor Brown takes control of the position in a timely manner, Ohio State could look for alternative options. This could mean turning to other quarterbacks on the roster or even exploring the transfer portal for a more experienced player who could provide immediate stability. The coaching staff will likely do everything they can to ensure the team’s success, but there is no guarantee that the quarterback issue will be resolved quickly.

 A Season of Uncertainty for Ohio State

As the Ohio State Buckeyes gear up for the 2025 season, the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position presents a major challenge. With no clear frontrunner to take over for C.J. Stroud, the Buckeyes are left to wonder whether McCord or Brown can step up to lead the team to a Big Ten championship and a national title.

The concerns about Ohio State’s quarterback situation are real, and they could have far-reaching consequences for the team’s chances of competing at the highest level. With so much talent surrounding the quarterback, the Buckeyes’ success in 2025 will depend on whether their quarterback can consistently play at a championship level. The coming weeks will be crucial as McCord, Brown, and the coaching staff work to find the stability that Ohio State needs to keep its national title hopes alive. Until then, the Buckeyes will remain in a state of uncertainty, hoping for a breakthrough from one of their quarterbacks.