After seeing his star quarterback, C.J. Stroud, drafted by the Houston Texans as the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is now tasked with finding a worthy replacement for the fast-approaching college football season.
With a quarterback competition brewing between Kyle McCord and Devin Brown, Day is keeping his options open while preparing for a critical season.
Reflecting on the situation, Day acknowledged the familiar challenge he faces in the quarterback position: “I guess that last, now going on seven years, we’ve been in this situation quite a few times at Ohio State and just not knowing who the quarterback’s going to be going into the season,” Day said.
“You had a new one with Dwayne [Haskins], you had a new one with Justin [Fields], you had a new one with C.J. and here we are again.”
Ohio State Head Coach Ryan Day on the starting quarterback job:
"We'd obviously like for someone to emerge quickly, but we'll have to see once we get on the field.”
Who takes the snaps week one for the Buckeyes Kyle McCord or Devin Brown? pic.twitter.com/ZXSDbEmcid
— The Scarlet and Gray Podcast (@TheSG_Podcast) July 26, 2023
Both McCord and Brown were highly sought-after prospects during their high school careers. Brown, hailing from Utah, was ranked as the No. 81 recruit overall in the 2022 class and was considered the No. 4 pocket-passing quarterback, showcasing his potential as an integral part of Ohio State’s offensive future.
On the other hand, McCord, ranked No. 31 overall in the 2021 class, was regarded as the No. 5 pocket passer and already had some game experience during the previous season. Playing in seven games as Stroud’s backup, McCord completed 16 of 20 passes for 190 yards and one touchdown, proving himself as a capable contender for the starting role.
Coach Day expressed his satisfaction with both quarterbacks’ performances during summer training, highlighting their leadership qualities.
“You have Devin and Kyle, and they both have had very good summers, they both have shown leadership, and [strength coach Mick Marotti] has really put them in situations to do that,” Day said.
“Now, it’s going to be time to go put it on the field. We obviously would like for someone to emerge here quickly, but we’ll kind of have to see once we get on the field.”
When asked about potentially rotating quarterbacks during the season, Day did not rule out the possibility, emphasizing the need to do what’s best for Ohio State.
“Who knows if that’s going to happen or not. You’d like to see somebody emerge and then you name them, just like we’ve done with C.J. or Dwayne, but if that doesn’t happen, maybe that is the case,” Day said.
With the quarterback situation still uncertain, all eyes will be on Day as he makes a critical decision that could potentially make-or-break Ohio State’s 2023 season.
Who do you think will end up starting at quarterback?
Do you think the Buckeyes will make the Playoff again this season?
