As Ohio State wrapped up its spring football practices in 2025, the future of the quarterback position was under heavy scrutiny. With the departure of the iconic C.J. Stroud to the NFL, the pressure was on for the next player to step up and seize the reins. That player came to the forefront in a commanding way, making a forceful, essential statement to end the spring. This wasn’t just a showcase of athletic ability, but a testament to mental toughness, leadership, and an unwavering determination to carry on Ohio State’s legacy at the position.
A Transition Year for the Buckeyes
It’s been an era-defining journey for Ohio State football, with quarterback play being one of its most crucial pillars. Stroud’s three years as starting quarterback propelled the Buckeyes to national prominence, and expectations are high for whoever follows in his footsteps. After Stroud’s departure, Ohio State entered spring ball with questions surrounding the quarterback position. For the first time in years, the Buckeyes found themselves without a clear starter, and the path to the job was up for grabs.
The competition began with two primary contenders: Kyle McCord and Devin Brown. Both young quarterbacks had their share of ups and downs during spring practice, each bringing a unique skill set to the table. McCord, a redshirt sophomore, came in as the more experienced of the two, having served as Stroud’s backup during the previous season. Brown, a redshirt freshman, was an intriguing option thanks to his athleticism and upside, though still relatively untested at the collegiate level.
Head coach Ryan Day, renowned for his offensive acumen, made it clear that no decision would be rushed, and he encouraged both quarterbacks to battle it out for the starting role. But it wasn’t until the spring game, the final opportunity for both players to make an impact before heading into summer preparation, that a clear frontrunner began to emerge.
The Spring Game: A Platform for Statement-Making
The Buckeyes’ spring game was set to be a defining moment in the quarterback battle. It’s an event that attracts attention both locally and nationally, offering a glimpse into the future of Ohio State football. For McCord and Brown, this game was their chance to make a statement—one that would reverberate throughout the team, the fanbase, and most importantly, their own confidence.
From the opening drive, it was clear that McCord wasn’t playing to simply manage the game—he was playing to win it. On his first possession, McCord engineered a masterful drive, showcasing his poise under pressure, accuracy, and decision-making. It wasn’t just the big throws that stood out; it was the calmness with which he approached each situation. McCord displayed a deep understanding of Day’s offense, going through his progressions quickly and delivering passes on time and on target.
In contrast, Devin Brown struggled with consistency during the spring game. While he flashed moments of brilliance, notably using his legs to evade pressure and make some explosive plays, there were lapses in his execution. He missed several open throws and appeared a bit erratic at times. It was clear that while Brown had the talent to eventually lead the team, he wasn’t quite ready to fully take the reins in 2025.
McCord, on the other hand, seized the opportunity with both hands, ending the spring game with a performance that had the crowd buzzing and the coaching staff nodding in approval. His 300-plus-yard performance, coupled with a pair of touchdown passes, highlighted his potential to be a difference-maker for Ohio State this fall. McCord wasn’t just showcasing his arm strength or his accuracy—he was proving he had the mental fortitude to be the next leader of the Buckeyes.
A Leadership Moment
What separated McCord from Brown wasn’t just his performance on the field, but his ability to lead. Leadership is a crucial quality for any quarterback, and in many ways, it can make or break a team’s success. McCord showed that he had the natural ability to take command, both on and off the field. He rallied his teammates around him, and they responded with confidence. During moments when things didn’t go perfectly, McCord stayed composed, showing the kind of maturity that is often reserved for seasoned veterans.
This was evident not only in his play during the spring game but also in his interactions with teammates throughout the offseason. McCord wasn’t shy about stepping into a leadership role, organizing extra practices and making sure his receivers were in sync with him. His vocal presence in the huddle and his determination to get everyone on the same page helped build chemistry within the offense. That leadership ability to rally the troops and inspire confidence is something that has the potential to carry over into the regular season.
For a program like Ohio State, which has seen tremendous success under quarterbacks like Justin Fields and Dwayne Haskins, the next player to take the helm needs to not only be capable of making big plays but also be someone who can lead with authority. McCord made it clear that he was more than ready to fill those shoes.
The Stakes Are High: Pressure for McCord
As much as McCord’s performance in the spring game was a statement, it also set the stage for the immense pressure that comes with being the Ohio State starting quarterback. The expectations are always high in Columbus, and with the team returning to national title contention, the starting quarterback is expected to play at a level that matches those aspirations.
But McCord isn’t one to shy away from the challenge. With the Buckeyes’ offense stacked with talent, including a deep receiving corps and a solid offensive line, McCord knows that he’ll be surrounded by elite players who will elevate his game. The key to his success, however, will be his ability to handle the spotlight and manage the expectations placed upon him.
Quarterbacks at Ohio State are always expected to perform at the highest level, and McCord understands the weight of the program’s legacy. He knows that every game will be scrutinized and that every throw will matter. But he’s shown time and again throughout the spring that he has the poise and composure to thrive under pressure.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Fall Camp
With the spring game behind him, McCord now enters the summer months with a firm grip on the starting role—at least for now. However, it’s important to note that the competition doesn’t end with the spring game. As fall camp approaches, McCord will continue to face challenges and pressure from Brown and other potential candidates. Head coach Ryan Day has made it clear that nothing is ever set in stone, and McCord will need to continue his strong development to hold onto the starting position.
The coming months will be critical for McCord’s growth as a quarterback. He’ll need to refine his decision-making, work on his timing with the receivers, and continue to build his leadership skills. But for now, McCord has made an undeniable statement that he’s ready for the responsibility. He has the tools to be a dynamic quarterback in Ohio State’s high-powered offense, and he now has the confidence to back it up.
As the Buckeyes gear up for the 2025 season, one thing is clear: the next chapter of Ohio State football is being written by Kyle McCord. And after his statement performance to end the spring, the road ahead looks promising for the Buckeyes under his leadership.
A New Era in Columbus
The Ohio State quarterback competition was one of the most anticipated storylines of the spring, and Kyle McCord’s forceful, essential statement at the end of the spring gave the Buckeyes an answer that they could hang their hats on as they move forward. While the competition isn’t completely over, McCord has established himself as the clear leader heading into summer workouts and fall camp.
For Ohio State fans, there’s a lot of excitement around the future, and McCord has already proven that he has the talent and mindset to continue the tradition of elite quarterback play in Columbus. As the Buckeyes gear up for what promises to be an exciting 2025 season, McCord’s statement will undoubtedly be remembered as the moment when he firmly cemented himself as the next great quarterback for Ohio State.