Ohio State Bolsters Quarterback Depth for 2025 as Houston Christian Transfer Eli Brickhandler Commits to Join the Buckeyes’ Roster

Ohio State has added crucial depth to its quarterback room for the 2025 season with the commitment of Houston Christian transfer Eli Brickhandler. The move brings the Buckeyes’ total number of scholarship quarterbacks to four, and although Brickhandler might not be a household name in college football, his addition is an important piece for Ryan Day and the Buckeyes as they look to solidify a competitive roster with reliable depth under center. Brickhandler’s decision comes at a time when quarterback depth is more valuable than ever in college football due to the physical demands of the position, the ever-present risk of injury, and the potential for in-season quarterback movement through the transfer portal.

Brickhandler, who played at Houston Christian in the FCS level of Division I, isn’t arriving in Columbus with an expectation of immediately contending for the starting job. Rather, he brings valuable experience and a mature understanding of the game that can serve as both insurance for the Buckeyes and an asset in quarterback development across the room. For Brickhandler, this is also an opportunity to contribute at the highest level of college football while continuing to develop as a player, surrounded by elite competition and coaching.

At Houston Christian, Brickhandler showcased athleticism and resilience, having carved out a role in a program that has often struggled to find consistency. While his statistics may not leap off the page, his tape reveals a quarterback with a gritty mindset, a quick release, and the ability to make plays outside the pocket. Those traits caught the attention of Ohio State, a program that has often leaned on its quarterbacks not just to execute but to improvise and elevate the offense when necessary. At 6-foot-1 and around 200 pounds, Brickhandler brings mobility and a dual-threat dimension that could be useful in a variety of scenarios, including scout team responsibilities, emergency roles, or specific packages if needed.

Ohio State’s quarterback room for 2025 now includes Will Howard, the veteran Kansas State transfer who is expected to open the season as the starter, Devin Brown, the talented redshirt sophomore who has shown flashes of promise, and true freshman Julian Sayin, one of the crown jewels of the Buckeyes’ 2024 recruiting class who rejoined the program after a brief stint at Alabama. With the addition of Brickhandler, the Buckeyes are in a much more stable position entering summer workouts and fall camp.

There’s also a strategic element to this move that goes beyond on-field expectations. The transfer portal era has fundamentally changed roster management in college football. Having only two or three scholarship quarterbacks is a risk for programs with national championship ambitions. Injuries happen, and in-season transfers are no longer uncommon. For Ohio State, bringing in a fourth quarterback who understands his role, brings a team-first attitude, and is prepared to contribute however possible is both a safeguard and a smart investment in overall program health. Brickhandler offers a safety valve for the Buckeyes and could play an integral behind-the-scenes role in helping prepare the defense for opponents and offering feedback in quarterback meetings.

Ryan Day and his staff have repeatedly emphasized the importance of depth and experience in the quarterback room. With Brickhandler’s addition, they gain a player who has played meaningful snaps and navigated the grind of a college football season. He understands what it means to prepare each week, to lead, and to compete — even if it’s not always on the national stage. That’s the type of presence that can help younger quarterbacks adjust to the college game and help maintain a competitive culture across the board.

Brickhandler’s transfer also speaks volumes about Ohio State’s ability to recruit strategically from the portal, targeting needs that might not be glamorous but are essential. The Buckeyes didn’t need another five-star prospect at quarterback — they already have Sayin and several highly touted players in their pipeline. What they needed was maturity, reliability, and someone comfortable playing a supportive role if necessary. Brickhandler fits that mold perfectly, and the coaching staff clearly sees value in what he brings both on and off the field.

From a personal standpoint, Brickhandler’s journey is also one of perseverance and belief. Coming from a smaller FCS program to one of the most storied football schools in America is no small leap, but it reflects the type of attitude that has likely served him well throughout his career. For many quarterbacks at smaller schools, the dream of playing Power Five football fades quickly once high school ends. But Brickhandler’s ability to keep developing and improving allowed him to earn this opportunity — and now he’ll have a chance to compete at the highest level, even if it’s in a supporting capacity.

His presence may also benefit Ohio State’s scout team offense significantly. Having an experienced quarterback running the scout offense in practice can help the defense prepare more effectively for mobile quarterbacks and varied offensive looks. Brickhandler’s versatility could give defensive coordinator Jim Knowles an edge in weekly preparation, especially against opponents with similar skill sets under center.

The addition of Brickhandler may not grab national headlines or dramatically shift preseason rankings, but it’s the type of smart, calculated roster move that can make a difference during the long grind of a college football season. It adds insurance, boosts competition, and ensures that the quarterback room remains functional and cohesive, even if unforeseen circumstances arise.

Moreover, the presence of a player like Brickhandler could have intangible benefits for Ohio State’s young quarterbacks. Julian Sayin, for example, is one of the most talented quarterback prospects in the country, but adjusting to college football takes time. Having a peer like Brickhandler who has seen live game action and understands the nuances of preparing each week can help bridge the gap between high school stardom and collegiate readiness. Devin Brown, too, stands to benefit from the increased competition and leadership in the room as he continues to push for his own opportunity.

While Brickhandler may not see the field unless circumstances demand it, he’s likely to become an important presence in team meetings, film sessions, and practices. These are the environments where trust is built, where cohesion is developed, and where the seeds of championship runs are often planted. Whether it’s helping Sayin understand blitz recognition or pushing Howard and Brown in quarterback drills, Brickhandler’s contribution to the team might show up in subtle but meaningful ways.

In a sport where headlines often focus solely on stars and stat lines, there’s still something to be said for players like Brickhandler — players who seize opportunities, embrace roles, and do what it takes to help the team win. Ohio State has added a quarterback who may never take a meaningful snap in the Horseshoe but whose presence could still be felt in ways that matter. Whether it’s the calm voice in the quarterback room, the sharp read on a scout team play, or the extra set of eyes in the film room, Brickhandler is the kind of player who helps great programs stay on course when adversity hits.

In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, adaptability is everything. Teams that plan for the unexpected are often the ones still standing in November. Ohio State’s move to add Brickhandler isn’t about headlines — it’s about foresight. It’s about building a complete roster, one where every role has purpose and every player has value. In 2025, Brickhandler becomes a Buckeye, and while he may be the newest face in the quarterback room, he represents something timeless about football: the importance of preparation, commitment, and the willingness to be ready when your number is called — no matter what.

With summer workouts approaching and position battles soon to intensify, the Buckeyes now enter a critical stretch with a full complement of quarterbacks. That security is a luxury, and thanks to Eli Brickhandler’s arrival, it’s one Ohio State now enjoys heading into the 2025 campaign.