The spring transfer window for the 2024 college football season has closed, and Ohio State kept all five of its scholarship quarterbacks. Heading into spring camp there was an open competition for the starting quarterback job that is still ongoing. It appeared as though all five quarterbacks were in the running for the job at the beginning of the team’s spring practices. It now looks to be a two, maybe, three-man race. In the NIL/transfer portal era of college football, we have seen a large amount of quarterback movement, leaving teams with little depth at the position. If the Ohio State starting quarterback misses time due to injury, they will fortunately have all their options available.
Transfer Quarterback Will Howard Leads the Pack
During this year’s spring game, Kansas State transfer Will Howard looked very comfortable operating Chip Kelly’s offense. Having an experienced and reliable quarterback under center is a play caller’s best friend and that is what appeared to separate Will Howard from the rest.
A year ago under Kyle McCord, it appeared at times that the coaching staff didn’t trust McCord and limiting Ohio State’s offense. Looking to avoid the mediocrity we saw at times with Ohio State’s scoring output, allowing Howard to have the full backing of the coaching staff will go a long way. Now that the transfer window is closed, we could see the announcement of the starting quarterback sooner than expected.
“I think the pocket presence is something that was there early on. That’s something that is difficult to teach. During that drive there were some nice completions in there.” – Ryan Day
Quarterbacks Devin Brown and Julian Sayin Are Next in Line
If Howard ultimately is not the man for the job then the other two quarterbacks who appear to be in the mix are Junior Devin Brown, and Alabama transfer Julian Sayin.
Devin Brown had a solid spring game and showed his veteran poise. On the other hand, Sayin struggled in the spring game at times and showed his youthful inconsistency.
It is more than likely that Sayin and Brown will be competing for the backup job for this year’s Buckeye offense.
“Julian’s been competing his tail off and he’ll continue to do that and he’s got a very bright future, and he’s gotta have a really good summer.” – Ryan Day
Young Quarterbacks Will Continue to Develop for the Future
The remaining two scholarship quarterbacks who will remain at Ohio State next year are Lincoln Kienholz and Air Noland. Both young quarterbacks had decent days in the spring game, but still appear to be a couple of years away from being college football-ready. It is positive that neither quarterback transferred and will stay within Chip Kelly’s offense to develop.
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