Quarterback Competition is Still Wide Open
The most pressing question going into the Ohio State football Spring Game was who would step up as the team’s starting quarterback. With the departure of C.J. Stroud to the NFL, the position is up for grabs. Ohio State has two promising candidates in sophomore Kyle McCord and junior Devin Brown, and both had their moments during the Spring Game.
- Kyle McCord: The more experienced option, McCord was solid but not spectacular. He demonstrated good control of the offense, displaying his ability to make precise throws on intermediate routes. His decision-making was mature, but he also showed some inconsistency with deep throws. McCord’s performance was marked by flashes of potential but a lack of dynamic playmaking that fans were hoping for from the future leader of the Buckeyes.
- Devin Brown: Brown, on the other hand, is the more mobile quarterback. His athleticism was on full display, with a few notable scrambles and designed runs that kept the defense on its toes. However, while he exhibited excellent raw talent and a strong arm, his decision-making was still a bit erratic. Brown threw a few passes that were off-target and missed opportunities that McCord might have capitalized on. Despite that, he showed the upside to be a playmaker with time and development.
The Spring Game didn’t resolve the competition, and it’s clear that this battle will continue into fall camp. Ohio State’s offensive coordinator and head coach will likely want to see which quarterback can run the offense more efficiently, but the added dimension of Brown’s legs could be enticing if they are looking for a more dynamic playmaker under center.
2. The Running Back Position is in Good Hands
While much of the attention was on the quarterback battle, Ohio State’s running back room showed that the Buckeyes are in good hands when it comes to their rushing attack. The team has a wealth of talent, and the Spring Game showcased that depth.
- Miyan Williams and Travion Henderson, the two primary running backs last season, were absent due to injury or limited participation, which allowed other players to step into the spotlight.
- Dallan Hayden stood out as a potential breakout star. The sophomore running back took advantage of the opportunity to prove himself, showing excellent vision and burst through the line. He demonstrated impressive footwork, ability to make defenders miss, and patience when waiting for holes to develop. His performance could have earned him a more significant role come fall.
- Chip Trayanum, a former linebacker, also made his case as a versatile weapon in the backfield. Trayanum has shown flashes of promise as a hard-nosed runner who can grind out tough yards between the tackles, but his explosiveness was evident as well. He is still a bit raw as a running back but showed enough potential to be used in a variety of situations.
Ohio State has a solid foundation at running back, with a mix of power, speed, and versatility. Even without their top two stars in full form, the Spring Game proved that the running game will continue to be a potent part of the offense.
3. The Offensive Line Needs to Improve
Ohio State’s offensive line has been one of the team’s strengths in recent years, but the Spring Game revealed that there are still areas of concern up front. While the line certainly has talent, it struggled at times to provide consistent protection for the quarterbacks.
- Pass Protection: McCord and Brown were under pressure more often than expected. While some of this could be attributed to the defensive line, there were also issues with blocking assignments and communication along the offensive front. The interior of the line, in particular, seemed to have trouble holding up against penetration, and there were instances where both quarterbacks had to scramble earlier than anticipated.
- Run Blocking: In terms of the running game, the line was a bit more consistent, but it still struggled to generate the push needed for sustained running success. Against stronger defensive lines in the Big Ten, this could become a point of concern. The Buckeyes will need to solidify the chemistry between their offensive linemen and improve their ability to create lanes for the running backs.
While there’s certainly talent in the room, with players like Paris Johnson Jr., Donovan Jackson, and Luke Wypler leading the charge, the Spring Game demonstrated that the offensive line will need to improve to ensure a successful season, particularly as they face tougher opponents in the regular season.
4. The Wide Receiver Room is Loaded
Ohio State’s wide receiver room is known for its depth and talent, and the Spring Game once again demonstrated why they are considered one of the best units in the country. The team has a mix of veterans and young stars that could dominate the Big Ten this season.
- Marvin Harrison Jr. has already established himself as one of the best wide receivers in the nation. His performance in the Spring Game was expectedly stellar, as he showcased his smooth route running, exceptional hands, and ability to make plays in both short and deep situations. Harrison Jr. didn’t need to do much to prove his worth, but his consistency and dominance on the field were unmistakable.
- Emeka Egbuka also flashed his big-play potential. Known for his explosive speed and agility, Egbuka’s ability to separate from defenders and make plays after the catch stood out. The tandem of Harrison Jr. and Egbuka gives Ohio State an elite one-two punch on the outside.
- Xavier Johnson and Julian Fleming are other wide receivers who provided depth. Johnson, in particular, has shown growth and could be used in various roles this season, including in the slot or as a gadget player. Fleming has flashed at times during his career but needs to be more consistent to fully tap into his potential.
The wide receiver room is one of the deepest and most talented in the country, which bodes well for whoever wins the quarterback competition. With a supporting cast like this, the Buckeyes’ passing attack could be explosive in 2025.
5. The Defense is Ready to Contend for Championships
The Ohio State defense has been a point of emphasis under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, and the Spring Game demonstrated that the unit is trending in the right direction. The defense looked fast, aggressive, and fundamentally sound, with several players emerging as key contributors.
- J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer were dominant off the edge, showing their ability to disrupt plays and get after the quarterback. Both have the potential to be first-round draft picks, and their performance in the Spring Game showed that they could wreak havoc on opposing offensive lines in the upcoming season.
- The secondary, led by cornerbacks Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock, looked sharp. They were physical at the line of scrimmage and were quick to close on passes. The safeties, including Josh Proctor and Lathan Ransom, were also solid in coverage, with Ransom showing his ability to break on the ball and make key plays.
- Linebacker play was also encouraging. While there’s some uncertainty about who will step up to be the star at linebacker, players like Cody Simon and Tommy Eichenberg showed they are ready for bigger roles. They played fast and made stops in both the run and pass game.
The Ohio State defense is built to be aggressive and create turnovers, and based on what we saw in the Spring Game, they have the potential to be one of the top defenses in college football this season. The unit’s ability to stop the run, rush the passer, and defend the pass bodes well for the Buckeyes’ chances at a College Football Playoff berth.
The Ohio State football Spring Game provided plenty of insights into the 2025 season. The quarterback competition remains unresolved, but both Kyle McCord and Devin Brown have the potential to lead the team. The running back room is stacked with talent, and the wide receivers will continue to be a dominant force in the offense. While the offensive line needs to improve, the defense looks poised to be a championship contender. As fall camp approaches, the Buckeyes have plenty of work to do, but they are clearly in good shape to challenge for a national title in 2025.
