Ohio State Quarterback Room Heating Up as 2025 Spring Practices Begin
As Ohio State University’s football team gears up for its 2025 spring practices, one of the most closely watched battles on the field is unfolding in the quarterback room. With significant turnover in the position, fans, analysts, and coaches alike are eager to see who will emerge as the next signal-caller for the Buckeyes.
After a standout career, former starting quarterback Kyle McCord declared for the NFL Draft, leaving the starting role open for competition. This has set the stage for an intriguing spring practice session as several highly-touted quarterbacks look to make their mark.
A Competitive Field
The quarterback competition at Ohio State is expected to be one of the most intense in recent memory. The frontrunner is sophomore Devin Brown, a former 5-star recruit from the 2023 class. Brown spent much of the 2024 season as McCord’s backup, gaining valuable experience in practice and a few game appearances. Brown is known for his strong arm, athleticism, and ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the move. Despite not having a significant amount of game time, his potential has made him the early favorite to claim the starting job.
However, Brown is far from guaranteed the role. Redshirt freshman Lincoln Kienholz, a highly rated dual-threat quarterback from South Dakota, has made significant strides since joining the program in 2024. Kienholz’s dual-threat ability makes him an intriguing option for the Buckeyes’ offense. With a year of development under his belt, he is expected to push Brown for the starting position, and his mobility and decision-making could provide the offense with a different dimension.
Additionally, there’s a strong case to be made for true freshman Air Noland, the top-rated quarterback in the 2025 recruiting class. Noland, who has already impressed with his leadership skills and accuracy as a high school senior, enters spring practice as an underdog but with plenty of upside. Ohio State coaches have been impressed by his quick learning and ability to perform under pressure, but it remains to be seen whether he can make the jump to college football and compete at the highest level in such a competitive environment.
Coaching Insight
Head coach Ryan Day has made it clear that he expects the quarterback competition to be wide open throughout the spring and into the summer. Day has consistently produced top-tier quarterbacks, including Justin Fields, Dwayne Haskins, and C.J. Stroud, all of whom have gone on to NFL careers. Given his track record, it’s clear that Day values not only raw talent but also the ability to lead and make smart decisions under pressure.
“Every position is open for competition. That’s how we run things here,” Day said in a recent interview. “We want to see who can command the offense, make the right reads, and lead this team. It’s going to be exciting to see how the guys respond this spring.”
Spring Practices and Beyond
With spring practices beginning in early February, all eyes will be on how each quarterback performs in drills, scrimmages, and team settings. While the starting job will likely not be decided until the fall, the spring will offer valuable insights into each player’s development, ability to handle the pressure, and overall readiness to lead the Buckeyes into the 2025 season.
Ohio State has a history of strong quarterback play, and with several young, talented quarterbacks vying for the role, the future of the position remains bright. The competition promises to make the 2025 spring practices one of the most exciting and unpredictable storylines for Buckeye fans in the coming months.
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