Ohio State’s Ryan Day Has High Expectations For 2025 QB Competition
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day is no stranger to high-profile quarterback competitions, and with the 2025 season on the horizon, his expectations for the next battle at the game’s most crucial position are already set sky-high. After years of excellence at quarterback, including the development of talents like Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud, Day is looking for a new face to lead the team to success, and the upcoming competition is expected to be one of the most intense in recent memory.
A Legacy of Elite Quarterbacks
Under Day’s leadership, Ohio State has consistently been home to some of the nation’s top quarterbacks. Fields, who led the Buckeyes to a national title game appearance, and Stroud, the Heisman finalist and future NFL first-round pick, set an incredibly high bar. Both players have left large shoes to fill, and Day is fully aware of the challenge facing whoever steps in next.
With the 2024 season nearing its conclusion, Day has already begun looking ahead, understanding that Ohio State’s success on offense starts with the quarterback position. “We have big expectations for our quarterback room,” Day said in a recent interview. “It’s not just about talent, but about leadership, decision-making, and the ability to perform under pressure. The next QB needs to rise to the occasion.”
The 2025 QB Race: High Stakes and Big Talent
As the 2025 season approaches, the competition for the starting quarterback job is expected to feature a mix of returning talent and incoming freshman prospects. Day has made it clear that the best player will win the job, and the competition will be intense.
Key candidates include 2024 backups and early enrollee freshmen, as well as potential transfers who could shake up the competition. Notably, names like Kyle McCord, who is currently the backup to Stroud, have been frequently mentioned in the media. McCord has shown flashes of his potential in limited action, and many believe that he could be the next leader of the Buckeyes. But Day is adamant that no spot is guaranteed, emphasizing that the upcoming spring and summer practices will be critical in determining the starter.
“It’s going to be an open competition,” Day said. “Everyone has to earn their spot, and we’re looking for someone who can command the huddle, manage the offense, and take control when it matters most.”
What Day Looks For in a QB
Ryan Day has long been regarded as a quarterback guru, with a reputation for refining talent and helping quarterbacks reach their full potential. He looks for specific traits when evaluating signal-callers, and those traits go beyond physical ability.
First and foremost, Day values leadership. Ohio State quarterbacks have always been expected to be vocal leaders, inspiring confidence in their teammates both on and off the field. The ability to lead a team is often a deciding factor for Day, and he has repeatedly mentioned that the QB competition will be about more than just arm strength or athleticism.
“Leadership is something that can’t be faked,” Day explained. “You can’t just put on a facade in the huddle. You have to be able to lead with poise, whether we’re down by two touchdowns in the fourth quarter or in a tight game.”
Secondly, Day places a premium on decision-making and consistency. The next Ohio State QB must be able to read defenses, make quick decisions, and stay calm under pressure. Day’s offense is predicated on precision and timing, and a quarterback’s ability to execute the system is essential.
“We need someone who can execute the offense with efficiency. Someone who can make the right reads and decisions under pressure, and someone who can push the ball downfield when needed,” Day noted. “Being accurate and consistent is key.”
Looking Ahead: The Stakes Are High
With the 2025 season still a few years away, Day’s expectations for his quarterbacks will be felt immediately in spring practices, where every rep counts. The outcome of the competition could define the Buckeyes’ trajectory for years to come, especially with the program striving for another national championship.
Day has made it clear that Ohio State’s culture and high standards will continue to thrive, regardless of who wins the QB job. “The bar is high here at Ohio State,” he remarked. “We expect our quarterbacks to compete at the highest level, and I’m confident that whoever earns the starting job will be ready to carry this team.”
As the 2025 QB competition unfolds, one thing is certain: Ohio State’s future at the most important position in football is in good hands. Ryan Day’s high expectations will only serve to push the next wave of quarterbacks to their limits, ensuring that the Buckeyes remain a force on the national stage for years to come.
