Ohio State’s Quarterback Battle Heats Up as Ryan Day Declares Preseason Competition Between Devin Brown and Will Howard Even
Ohio State football finds itself at a pivotal juncture as fall camp continues and the Buckeyes prepare for another high-stakes season under head coach Ryan Day. While the team is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, all eyes are locked on the most scrutinized position in the sport—quarterback. This offseason has been marked by one of the most fiercely contested quarterback battles in the country, with Devin Brown and Will Howard in a virtual deadlock for the starting job. Ryan Day recently reaffirmed that the competition remains “neck and neck,” offering little indication as to which signal-caller has the upper hand just weeks ahead of the season opener.
Brown and Howard, each with their own unique strengths and backgrounds, have pushed one another since the spring. While fans and media alike have speculated and debated the merits of each player, Day has remained consistent in his message: the starting quarterback will be the one who earns it—not the one with the bigger name, more experience, or flashier highlights. It’s a meritocracy, and in Columbus, that’s exactly how the coaching staff intends to treat it.
Devin Brown enters the competition as a returning Buckeye, having spent the past couple of seasons learning the Ohio State system and developing under Ryan Day’s watchful eye. A former four-star recruit out of Utah, Brown has shown flashes of brilliance during practices and scrimmages, though a freak finger injury last season cut short any opportunity he might have had to seize the starting role. Now healthy and hungrier than ever, Brown has embraced the challenge, showing increased command of the offense, better decision-making, and the type of confidence expected from a potential starter.
Opposing Brown is Will Howard, a veteran transfer from Kansas State who brings a wealth of starting experience and a winning pedigree. Howard led the Wildcats to a Big 12 Championship in 2022 and brings a blend of toughness, leadership, and athleticism to the Buckeyes’ quarterback room. While some questioned whether a player from outside the program could assimilate quickly enough to lead a team of Ohio State’s caliber, Howard has answered those doubts with his poise and work ethic. His maturity, deep-ball accuracy, and ability to execute in pressure situations have made this a true battle, not merely a formality.
Ryan Day, known for his quarterback development prowess, has been pleased with the progress both players have made through the summer and early fall practices. He has consistently emphasized that consistency, decision-making, and leadership will ultimately determine the winner. The Buckeyes don’t just need someone who can throw the ball downfield—they need a field general who can manage games, lead the huddle, and respond when the moment gets tense in front of 100,000 fans in the Horseshoe or during prime-time matchups against Michigan, Penn State, or a College Football Playoff contender.
One of the challenges in evaluating the competition is the fact that both quarterbacks have had their standout moments. During early scrimmages, Brown reportedly showcased his arm strength and mobility, extending plays and connecting with Ohio State’s elite group of receivers, including Emeka Egbuka and Carnell Tate. Meanwhile, Howard demonstrated a calm pocket presence and an advanced understanding of situational football, moving the chains methodically and protecting the football. Neither has clearly separated from the other, and that, according to Day, is a good problem to have.
The coaching staff has made it clear that this is not simply a “game manager” role either. The quarterback who wins the job will be expected to help drive one of the most explosive offenses in the nation. With a loaded arsenal that includes potential All-Americans at wide receiver, a retooled offensive line, and a deep running back room featuring TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, the Buckeyes need a signal-caller who can take full advantage of those weapons while also elevating their play when adversity hits.
Beyond the on-field performances, intangibles are playing a significant role in the decision-making process. Leadership is being closely evaluated—how each quarterback communicates with teammates, handles adversity in practice, and galvanizes the locker room. Coaches are watching body language, pre-snap reads, and how each player reacts when things go wrong. It’s not just about stats or splash plays; it’s about trust, toughness, and the ability to lead an elite program.
Adding another layer of complexity is the pressure surrounding this season. After three straight losses to Michigan and missing out on the Big Ten title, Ryan Day enters 2025 facing the most critical campaign of his coaching career. The margin for error is razor thin, especially in a newly expanded Big Ten that now includes USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington. The quarterback decision isn’t just about September—it’s about building a team that can win in November and beyond.
Day has indicated that the competition could stretch into the first couple of games if necessary. While he would prefer to name a starter before the opener, he’s not rushing the process. The idea of rotating both quarterbacks early in the season remains on the table if neither separates in camp. That flexibility could allow the staff to evaluate both in live-game situations before making a permanent call. But Day also knows that quarterback continuity is vital, and he doesn’t want to create uncertainty within the offense for long.
Historically, Day has been reluctant to rotate quarterbacks extensively once the season begins. When Justin Fields won the job in 2019, there was little question afterward. Similarly, C.J. Stroud earned the nod in 2021 and remained the starter throughout his career. But with the talent and parity between Brown and Howard, this year’s battle feels different. Both are capable of winning games. Both have the respect of their teammates. Both have traits that fit into what Ohio State wants to do offensively.
There’s also the long-term view to consider. Brown, as a younger quarterback, represents the future of the program. Naming him the starter could give Ohio State two years of continuity if he performs well. Howard, on the other hand, is a one-year option who offers experience and a potentially higher floor in the short term. Day must weigh whether it’s better to bet on upside or proven production, a dilemma that could define the season—and possibly his tenure.
Whichever quarterback wins the job will face immense expectations. At Ohio State, it’s not enough to beat the likes of Indiana or Rutgers. The standard is championships, playoff appearances, and wins over Michigan. Every throw, every read, every postgame press conference will be scrutinized. The Buckeyes’ quarterback isn’t just a player; he’s the face of the program, the centerpiece of the offense, and the leader of one of the most passionate fanbases in college football.
Still, there’s reason for optimism regardless of who takes the first snap. Ohio State’s quarterback room is deeper and more talented than it has been in recent memory. Both Brown and Howard have the skillsets to thrive in the Buckeyes’ offense, and the competition has brought out the best in each of them. Iron sharpens iron, and this battle could be the crucible that forges the next great Ohio State quarterback.
The clock is ticking, and as the season opener against Akron looms, the decision must come soon. Fans, media, and players are eager for clarity. But Ryan Day knows better than to rush a choice that carries this much weight. He’s said from the beginning that the competition will play out on the field, not in the headlines. And so far, that’s exactly what has happened.
Whether it’s Devin Brown, the homegrown Buckeye with a rocket arm and years in the system, or Will Howard, the savvy transfer with big-game experience and a chip on his shoulder, Ohio State appears to be in capable hands. The only question left is who will lead them out of the tunnel when the lights are brightest. For now, the battle rages on—and so does the anticipation.
