Analyzing Ohio State’s quarterback competition: Every indication points to a clubhouse leader

As the Ohio State Buckeyes approach another football season, all eyes are on the quarterback position. After a season of high expectations and eventual disappointment, the search for a starting quarterback has become one of the most talked-about aspects of the team’s offseason. With multiple candidates vying for the role, the question arises: who will be the one to lead the Buckeyes under center when the season kicks off?

This analysis will delve into the key candidates, the factors influencing the competition, and why, based on the evidence at hand, there seems to be a clear clubhouse leader for the role.

Background: The Ohio State Quarterback Legacy

Before diving into the specifics of the current competition, it’s important to understand the weight of the quarterback position at Ohio State. The Buckeyes have a storied history of producing top-tier quarterbacks, with names like Justin Fields, Dwayne Haskins, and Troy Smith all having left their mark on the program. The pressure to live up to this legacy is immense, and the expectations surrounding the starting quarterback are always high.

The team’s offense has historically been one of the most potent in the nation, with the quarterback position often being a critical factor in that success. With the Buckeyes’ recent success and the highly competitive Big Ten Conference, the quarterback who takes the helm must be capable of managing the offense efficiently while also handling the pressures of playing for one of the premier programs in college football.

The Candidates: A Look at the Field

Ohio State’s quarterback competition heading into 2025 is shaping up to be a highly contested battle. While a few quarterbacks are in the running, there are several factors that differentiate them from one another.

Kyle McCord (Junior)
McCord has been one of the most talked-about names in Ohio State’s quarterback competition since he arrived on campus. A highly touted recruit from the 2021 class, McCord has already gained significant experience as a backup during the 2023 season. His knowledge of the offense, combined with his skillset, has made him a popular choice to win the starting role.

McCord has the prototypical quarterback build: standing 6’3” and weighing around 220 pounds. His arm strength and accuracy are often praised by coaches and teammates alike. McCord demonstrated flashes of potential in his limited playing time, including in blowout victories and relief appearances in high-stakes games.

However, McCord’s consistency has been questioned at times. His performances in practice and in live-game situations have sometimes shown a lack of decisiveness and the ability to elevate his play under pressure. This has led to some uncertainty about his ability to lead the team consistently at the highest level.
Devin Brown (Sophomore)
Another promising candidate for the starting role is Devin Brown. Brown, a dual-threat quarterback from the 2022 class, offers a different skill set than McCord. At 6’3” and 210 pounds, Brown is a bit lighter but brings a level of athleticism and mobility that McCord doesn’t always showcase. His ability to make plays with his legs and extend plays outside of the pocket is something that excites coaches and fans alike.

During spring practices, Brown’s ability to make plays with his legs was highlighted as a major asset, and his passing ability showed improvement as well. While he may not have the same polished arm as McCord, Brown’s upside is considerable. His strong spring performance has certainly placed him in the conversation for the starting job.

One of the primary concerns with Brown, however, is his inexperience. He has yet to see significant playing time at the collegiate level and is still adjusting to the speed and complexity of Power 5 football. While his talent is undeniable, there are questions surrounding his ability to manage the team and make crucial decisions in high-pressure situations.
Tristan Gebbia (Senior)
The most experienced quarterback in the room is Tristan Gebbia, a graduate transfer from Oregon State. Gebbia, who joined Ohio State for his final season of eligibility, is known for his veteran presence and leadership qualities. While he isn’t as physically gifted as McCord or Brown, his football IQ and understanding of the game are exceptional.

Gebbia has not been a starter at the FBS level for a number of years, but he has played in meaningful games, and his ability to handle the mental aspects of the game is a plus. In practices, his leadership has stood out, and he is viewed as a stabilizing force in the locker room.

However, Gebbia’s lack of elite athleticism and arm talent has made it difficult for him to truly separate himself from the other two candidates. While his experience is valuable, many believe he may be better suited as a backup or mentor to the younger quarterbacks rather than the starter.

Factors Influencing the Competition

Coaching Staff and Scheme
Ohio State’s offensive philosophy under head coach Ryan Day is another crucial factor in the quarterback competition. Day has developed a reputation as one of the top offensive minds in college football, and his offense places a premium on a quarterback’s ability to make quick decisions, read defenses, and execute both in the pocket and on the move.

With the departure of offensive coordinator Brian Hartline to a head coaching position, Day has taken a more hands-on role in overseeing the quarterback development. This means the quarterback battle will be evaluated through a lens of both execution and fit within Day’s system. Day’s tendency has been to favor quarterbacks with a mix of both arm talent and mobility, and this could provide an edge to Brown, whose dual-threat ability fits Day’s vision.
Game Management and Decision-Making
A key aspect that will define the winner of this quarterback competition is game management. While raw talent is undoubtedly important, Ohio State’s quarterback must be able to manage games effectively, especially in high-pressure situations against top-tier opponents.

Both McCord and Brown have shown flashes of ability in practice, but the ability to remain calm under pressure, avoid turnovers, and make quick decisions will be the ultimate determining factor. McCord’s previous experience in game situations gives him an edge here, but Brown’s potential for explosive plays cannot be ignored.
Support from the Offensive Line and Skill Players
Ohio State’s success will also depend on how well its offensive line performs, and this can affect the quarterback’s development. Both McCord and Brown will need to establish rapport with the team’s playmakers, including star receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. A solid offensive line will allow the quarterbacks more time to read the defense and make plays, while a dynamic group of playmakers will give them a safety net in the passing game.

Why Kyle McCord Is the Clubhouse Leader

Based on the evidence provided throughout the offseason, there are several reasons why Kyle McCord seems to be the clubhouse leader for the starting quarterback role:

Experience
McCord has more in-game experience than both Brown and Gebbia, which cannot be overlooked. His ability to manage an offense in live situations, including handling the pressure of big moments, provides him with an advantage over the others. While Brown may have more physical upside, McCord’s familiarity with the offense and his game experience make him the safer bet to start in Week 1.
Arm Talent
McCord’s arm strength and accuracy stand out when compared to Brown, who still struggles with consistency in his passing game. McCord can make all the necessary throws, and his ability to stretch the field vertically is a major asset for Ohio State’s offense.
Consistency
While McCord’s decision-making has occasionally been questioned, he has shown more consistency in practices and scrimmages. His performances have been more reliable than Brown’s, who has had flashes of brilliance but still needs more refinement in key areas like reading defenses and timing.
Leadership
McCord has taken on a leadership role in the locker room, establishing himself as a key communicator and motivator for his teammates. His ability to rally the team and handle the mental and emotional aspects of the game gives him an edge in the quarterback competition.

The Future of Ohio State’s Quarterback Position

As Ohio State enters the 2025 season, the quarterback competition will continue to be one of the most closely watched storylines in college football. While Devin Brown’s dual-threat abilities and upside make him a compelling candidate, and Tristan Gebbia’s experience offers stability, the clubhouse leader appears to be Kyle McCord. His combination of experience, arm talent, and consistency put him in the driver’s seat as the Buckeyes prepare for another championship run.

Though the competition remains fluid, McCord’s familiarity with the system and his leadership qualities make him the most likely candidate to take the starting job. Still, Brown’s potential and Gebbia’s experience should not be discounted, and Ohio State fans should expect a fascinating battle under center throughout the offseason and into fall camp.

As the 2025 season approaches, Ohio State will have its quarterback of the future ready to lead one of college football’s most prestigious programs back to the pinnacle of the sport.