FUTURE IN FOCUS: Ryan Day and Billy Fessler Go All-In on Priority 2028 QB Target at Ohio State’s Star-Studded 7-on-7 Showcase

At Ohio State’s annual 7-on-7 tournament held Monday, the spotlight wasn’t just on the teams battling it out under the sweltering summer sun—it was also squarely on the sidelines, where head coach Ryan Day and quarterbacks coach Billy Fessler made their intentions crystal clear. All eyes were drawn to the duo as they spent a significant chunk of time locked in with one particular player: a priority quarterback target in the class of 2028. For an event typically used to build rapport, survey young talent, and observe competitive spirit, the presence and focus of Ohio State’s top coaches on one quarterback told an unmistakable story. The Buckeyes are already charting a bold course for their future under center, and Monday’s interactions signaled how highly they regard the rising signal-caller.

It’s uncommon for any coach to show this level of attention to a prospect who’s still years away from signing a National Letter of Intent, but the modern recruiting world moves fast. For a player in the 2028 class—just beginning high school this fall—to command this kind of presence at a major Power Five program’s premier recruiting event is more than notable. It is a clear indication that Ohio State is working hard to build a relationship early, cultivate a bond of trust, and present Columbus as a destination of development, excellence, and quarterback legacy. Whether it was breaking down plays in-between sessions, chatting during water breaks, or standing off to the side dissecting reads, Day and Fessler’s hands-on coaching with this young prospect mirrored the kind of attention usually reserved for committed players or top-tier upperclassmen.

For Ryan Day, a man known for his quarterback acumen and offensive mind, this sort of early groundwork isn’t just a show of interest—it’s part of a deliberate process. Day has developed a reputation nationally for being meticulous with his quarterback evaluations. His success with players like Justin Fields, C.J. Stroud, and now Devin Brown and Julian Sayin reflects a program that prides itself on elite play at the most important position on the field. So when Day chooses to spend time coaching up a 14-year-old prospect in June, it’s because he believes there’s something special brewing—something worth investing in before any other program can get its hooks in. That’s precisely what was on display during Ohio State’s 7-on-7 tournament.

Billy Fessler, recently promoted and considered one of the rising stars in quarterback development, was just as active and engaged as Day. He worked directly with the young QB on his footwork, mechanics, and field vision, offering subtle adjustments and plenty of encouragement. For Fessler, who understands the significance of building trust early, the tournament served as both an evaluation tool and an opportunity to establish a strong foundation. His rapport with the young quarterback was fluid and natural, hinting at conversations and interactions that likely began long before Monday. Every rep, every throw, every play seemed to be a mini classroom, with Fessler offering real-time feedback and the young passer responding with a maturity beyond his years.

The quarterback himself, whose name remains under wraps by the staff for the moment, showed poise, command, and athleticism that belied his age. Surrounded by more experienced high school players, he displayed an innate ability to process information quickly, make accurate throws under pressure, and lead his team with confidence. Even his body language was telling—composed, yet coachable; confident, yet always listening. This wasn’t just another middle school standout with a big arm. This was a student of the game, someone who’s clearly been groomed for this stage and carries an understanding of what it means to be “that guy” in a room full of talent.

Ohio State’s 7-on-7 tournament has long been a marquee event for high school programs across the Midwest and beyond. While it provides exposure and competition for team units, it also gives the Buckeye staff a valuable window into the personalities and performance habits of future prospects. The structure of the event allows for more interaction than a typical camp setting, and it’s less about individual testing and more about how players communicate, lead, and respond in real-time. For a quarterback prospect, these intangibles are invaluable—and this particular 2028 target passed every test with flying colors.

Observers in attendance, including scouts and media members, took notice of the dynamic as well. Multiple times throughout the day, the buzz around the fields turned to questions about who the young quarterback was and why Ohio State’s top coaches were so engaged. Recruitniks and analysts weren’t just watching the games—they were watching the sideline exchanges, the subtle head nods from Day, the occasional fist bump from Fessler. The level of access and engagement was unusual, if not unprecedented, for a player so young, and it made waves throughout the recruiting community.

For the young quarterback, this experience was likely both exhilarating and affirming. Being coached directly by Ryan Day—one of the most respected offensive minds in college football—and receiving technical instruction from Billy Fessler is a once-in-a-lifetime moment for many high school athletes. But for this 2028 prospect, it might be just the beginning. It’s also a glimpse into how Ohio State approaches the art and science of quarterback recruiting. They don’t just want the best athlete. They want the best mind. The best leader. The best fit. And they want to start that journey as early as possible.

What makes this story even more compelling is the timing. As college football continues to evolve, recruiting has become increasingly competitive, with programs battling for the attention of younger and younger players. NIL, early offers, social media branding, and quarterback trainers have all pushed timelines forward. It’s not enough to simply offer a scholarship—you have to offer a vision. A pathway. A genuine connection. That’s what Ohio State was doing Monday. They weren’t just evaluating. They were courting. Educating. Investing.

The Buckeyes have long been considered a quarterback factory, and maintaining that reputation means identifying the next generation before everyone else does. While it may be too early to tell where this 2028 quarterback will land, the fact that Ohio State has already chosen to invest meaningful time in his development speaks volumes. For now, he returns home with the memory of elite coaching, an unforgettable experience, and perhaps a deeper understanding of what it means to be a quarterback at a place like Ohio State.

Ryan Day’s presence at this event didn’t feel symbolic—it felt strategic. A coach with NFL credentials and College Football Playoff experience doesn’t spend hours with a young quarterback just to kill time. There’s a message in that, and the message is simple: “We see you. We believe in your potential. And if you keep working, there’s a place for you here.”

That’s the power of moments like this. They’re more than just drills and throws. They’re part of a larger narrative being crafted by Ohio State’s football program—a narrative rooted in elite preparation, visionary coaching, and relentless pursuit of excellence. For Ryan Day and Billy Fessler, it was just another day at the office. For the young quarterback in question, it might have been the day that changed everything.

As Monday’s 7-on-7 tournament wrapped up and the sun dipped lower over the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, there was a palpable sense that something meaningful had just taken place. Not every observer knew exactly who the young quarterback was. But they knew he mattered. And more importantly, Ohio State made sure he knew it too.

The Buckeyes have once again shown why they remain at the forefront of college football’s arms race—not just in wins and losses, but in how they identify, attract, and mentor the game’s next great quarterbacks. The 2028 recruiting cycle is just beginning, but in many ways, the story is already being written in Columbus. And if Monday is any indication, Ryan Day and Billy Fessler may have already found the next name to etch into Ohio State’s quarterback legacy.