“It Was Just Time”: Former Ohio State Quarterback Opens Up About His Departure from the Buckeyes

For a young quarterback, few destinations carry more weight than Columbus, Ohio. At Ohio State, expectations are sky-high, competition is relentless, and the spotlight never dims. For one former Buckeye signal-caller, that intensity was both a dream and a burden—one that ultimately led him to make the difficult decision to part ways with the program.

Speaking candidly for the first time since his departure, the former Ohio State quarterback opened up about his journey in the scarlet and gray, the reasons behind his transfer, and the emotional toll of leaving behind what once felt like destiny.

“I’ll always be proud to say I was a Buckeye,” he began, his voice firm but reflective. “That’s not something that ever goes away. But at the end of the day, I had to do what was best for my future—and that meant stepping away from something I loved.”

His departure raised eyebrows when it was first announced. A former blue-chip recruit, he arrived in Columbus with hype and high expectations, hailed by many as the next in a long line of elite Buckeye quarterbacks. Yet, like so many promising college football stories, his time at Ohio State didn’t go exactly as planned.

“Coming in, you think you’re going to be the guy,” he said. “You believe in yourself, and the coaches believe in you. But this is a place where the best of the best come to compete. It’s not personal when things don’t go your way—it’s just reality.”

Reality hit hard. Despite strong performances in practice and flashes of brilliance in limited game action, the quarterback found himself buried on a depth chart stacked with NFL-caliber talent. Each season brought a new battle, and each battle seemed to end with someone else under center.

“There were moments where I thought, ‘Man, maybe this is my year,’” he admitted. “And then something changes—another recruit comes in, someone else steps up, and you’re back to square one. You have to keep grinding, but it takes a toll.”

The transfer portal, once viewed as a last resort, became a lifeline. After long conversations with his family and heart-to-hearts with his coaches, the decision was made.

“I didn’t want to just quit or walk away. That wasn’t what it was about. It was about finding a place where I could play, where I could lead, where I could show what I’m capable of. That’s not quitting—that’s betting on yourself.”

He emphasized that his decision wasn’t driven by drama or bitterness. If anything, he’s grateful for the lessons learned during his time in Columbus.

“I grew a lot at Ohio State—on and off the field. The coaching staff pushed me. The locker room made me tougher. The fan base? Man, there’s nothing like it. I have no regrets about coming here. I just knew my journey needed a new chapter.”

As for what led to the timing of the move, he pointed to a combination of factors—none more important than clarity.

“I started to see the writing on the wall. The reps weren’t there. I wasn’t getting the same opportunities. And look, the other guys in that room—they’re dogs. They’re ballers. They deserved their shots too. I just couldn’t keep waiting.”

He also acknowledged that the mental side of college football is often overlooked. The pressure, the comparisons, the social media noise—it all builds up.

“There were nights I couldn’t sleep. Just thinking about what I could’ve done differently, or how close I was. People don’t see that part. They just see the highlight reels or the box scores. But this game can be mentally exhausting, especially when you’re trying to prove yourself every day and still come up short.”

Despite the struggles, he insists the bond with his former teammates remains strong. He still texts guys on the team. Still watches every Buckeye game. Still roots for them.

“I’ll always have love for my brothers. That locker room was real. We fought together. We bled together. And even though I’m not wearing the jersey anymore, those memories stay with you.”

Now at his new school, he feels reenergized. He’s already taken on a leadership role, embraced the playbook, and begun earning the trust of a new coaching staff. And more than anything, he’s ready to play football again—not just sit, wait, and wonder.

“There’s no guarantees, but I feel like I’ve got a real shot now. The competition is still tough, but I’m getting reps. I’m getting better every day. And I feel like I’m finally being seen for who I am—not just the guy behind the next star.”

He didn’t name names, but it’s no secret Ohio State’s quarterback room is one of the deepest in the country. With names like Devin Brown, Lincoln Kienholz, and Julian Sayin in the mix, there’s little margin for error. That kind of pressure cooker can forge greatness—but it can also squeeze out talented players who simply don’t have time to wait.

“I think people forget how short this window is,” he said. “You’ve got three, maybe four years to prove yourself. If you’re not getting that shot, sometimes you have to go find it.”

There’s a quiet confidence in him now—a sense of peace that perhaps wasn’t there before. He knows the road ahead won’t be easy. But for the first time in a long time, it feels like his road.

“I’m not looking back. I’m grateful for everything I went through, but I’m focused on what’s next. And I know I’ve got what it takes to make it.”

Asked if he’d do anything differently, he pauses.

“Maybe I would’ve transferred sooner. But then again, maybe I needed to go through what I did to get to this point. Everything happens for a reason. I truly believe that.”

And what about the legacy he leaves behind at Ohio State?

“I wasn’t a star there. I didn’t win titles or set records. But I gave it everything I had. I worked. I competed. I stayed ready. And I left the right way. To me, that matters.”

As he moves forward with the next chapter of his career, one thing is clear: this is a player who still believes in his talent, still embraces the grind, and still carries the lessons of Ohio State with him—just in a different jersey now.

“I’ll always be a Buckeye at heart,” he said, smiling. “But I’m chasing my dream, and I’m finally doing it on my own terms.”

For the young quarterback, it was never about walking away. It was about finding his voice—and now, he’s ready to be heard.