Analyst Explains Why There's Pressure On Ohio State To Get QB Competition Right

Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, August 14th 2025 at 17:06 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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The Ohio State Buckeyes have to make a big quarterback decision sooner rather than later.

Analyst Breaks Down Intense Pressure Surrounding Ohio State Buckeyes' Quarterback Competition

In a recent ESPN segment, college football analyst Greg McElroy delved into the high-stakes quarterback competition at Ohio State, highlighting the immense pressure on the Buckeyes' program as they aim to reclaim their status as national title contenders. McElroy, known for his insightful breakdowns of college football dynamics, emphasized that the quarterback position could be the make-or-break factor for Ohio State in the upcoming season. With a roster loaded with talent across the board— from a formidable defense to explosive skill players—the spotlight is squarely on who will emerge as the starting signal-caller, and the expectations are sky-high given the program's recent shortcomings.

McElroy pointed out that Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is under significant scrutiny heading into his sixth year at the helm. The Buckeyes have not won a national championship since 2014, and their last three seasons have ended in disappointment, including back-to-back losses to arch-rival Michigan and a failure to advance deep into the College Football Playoff. This has amplified the pressure on Day, who has a stellar overall record but has been criticized for not delivering in the biggest moments. McElroy argued that the quarterback competition is not just about selecting a starter; it's about finding someone who can elevate the entire team and silence the doubters. "The pressure is real," McElroy stated, noting that Ohio State's fanbase and administration expect nothing less than a playoff run, if not a title, especially with the expanded 12-team playoff format debuting this year.

At the center of this battle is a group of talented but unproven quarterbacks vying for the role. Will Howard, a transfer from Kansas State, brings the most experience to the table. Howard started 27 games for the Wildcats, leading them to a Big 12 championship in 2022 with over 5,000 passing yards and 48 touchdowns in his career. McElroy praised Howard's poise and ability to manage games, suggesting he could provide the stability Ohio State needs after the departure of previous starters like C.J. Stroud and Kyle McCord. However, McElroy cautioned that Howard must adapt quickly to the Buckeyes' high-octane offense, which demands precision and big plays downfield. The analyst highlighted Howard's mobility as a potential asset, allowing for designed runs and extending plays, which could complement Ohio State's dynamic running backs like TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins.

Challenging Howard is Devin Brown, a highly touted recruit who has been with the program since 2022. Brown saw limited action last season, most notably in the Cotton Bowl where he struggled after an early injury, completing just 4 of 6 passes before exiting. McElroy described Brown as a "wild card" with tremendous upside, possessing a strong arm and athleticism that could make him a dual-threat option. Yet, the analyst stressed that Brown's inexperience—only a handful of snaps in meaningful games—means he needs to prove he can handle the pressure of leading a team with national title aspirations. McElroy drew parallels to past Ohio State quarterbacks who thrived under Day, like Justin Fields, noting that Brown's development will be key if he wants to seize the starting job.

Further down the depth chart are younger prospects like Lincoln Kienholz, a redshirt freshman, and true freshmen Julian Sayin and Air Noland. Kienholz got a taste of action in the Cotton Bowl, throwing for 86 yards but also turning the ball over. McElroy viewed him as more of a developmental piece, unlikely to win the job outright but capable of pushing the others. Sayin, a five-star recruit who flipped from Alabama after Nick Saban's retirement, was lauded by McElroy for his elite arm talent and poise, drawing comparisons to Bryce Young. Noland, another five-star, adds depth with his athletic profile. McElroy emphasized that while these freshmen are the future, the immediate pressure means Ohio State can't afford to wait for them to mature; the team needs a quarterback ready to win now.

The analyst expanded on why this competition is so pressurized compared to other programs. Ohio State's defense, bolstered by returning stars like Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau on the line, and a secondary featuring Denzel Burke, is expected to be one of the nation's best. Offensively, the wide receiver room is stacked with talents like Emeka Egbuka and Carnell Tate, while the running back duo of Henderson and Judkins could form a potent ground attack. McElroy argued that with such a complete roster, any failure would likely point back to quarterback play or coaching decisions. He referenced the 2023 season, where Kyle McCord's inconsistencies contributed to losses against Michigan and in the playoff, leading to his transfer to Syracuse. This history, McElroy said, heightens the urgency for Day to get this right.

Moreover, external factors like the Big Ten's expansion—with teams like Oregon, Washington, USC, and UCLA joining—make the conference even more competitive. Ohio State faces a brutal schedule, including road games at Oregon and Penn State, and the annual showdown with Michigan. McElroy predicted that the quarterback who wins the job must not only perform in camp but also deliver in these high-profile matchups. He suggested that Day's offensive scheme, which relies on rhythm passing and RPO (run-pass option) plays, will test each candidate's decision-making under duress.

McElroy also touched on the mental aspect of the competition. The pressure isn't just from fans or media; it's internal, with players aware that Ohio State hasn't beaten Michigan since 2019, a streak that has become a sore point. "This is a program that's used to dominance," McElroy noted, "and anything less feels like failure." He believes the eventual starter will need to embody leadership qualities to rally the team, especially after last year's motivational lapses.

In wrapping up his analysis, McElroy expressed optimism about Ohio State's potential, stating that if the quarterback situation stabilizes, the Buckeyes could be the team to beat in the playoff. However, he warned that prolonged uncertainty or poor performance could lead to more questions about Day's future. The analyst encouraged fans to watch spring practices and the upcoming spring game as indicators of who might pull ahead. Overall, McElroy's breakdown painted a picture of a quarterback battle that's as much about talent as it is about withstanding the weight of expectations at one of college football's premier programs. With the season opener against Akron on August 31 looming, the resolution of this competition will set the tone for what could be a redemption year for the Scarlet and Gray. (Word count: 928)

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