Ryan Day doesn’t want a long-drawn-out quarterback controversy ahead of the 2023 season.
It may end up playing out that way, but after C.J. Stroud declared for the NFL draft last month, Day hopes Ohio State will have a clear successor to the two-time Heisman Trophy finalist by the end of spring.
“I don't know where we'll be. I hope that one of them emerges and we can name a starter, I really do,” Day said Wednesday during a press conference at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. “Because I think the way that our dynamic is, I think it'd be great for our program to be able to do that. There were times in the past when I didn't see that happening. I'm hoping that can happen. If it doesn't, it doesn't. But some vision on who the starter is coming out of the spring would be nice. So hoping that one of them emerges here in these 15 practices.”
The last time Ohio State needed to replace its starting quarterback, Stroud wasn’t named QB1 until Aug. 21, 2021 – just 12 days before the Buckeyes’ season opener. This time, though, Day is optimistic that the process won’t take that long.
Kyle McCord and Devin Brown will duel for the vacant starting job over the coming months. While the passers possess significant differences in both experience and playing style, Day expects the battle to be hotly contested.
“I'm excited to see these two guys compete. What an unbelievable opportunity for both of them,” Day said. “When you look at the guys that are surrounding and the cast that's surrounding them, I mean you couldn't be more excited to be quarterback right now, I would think, in college football. So, Kyle's now going into year three, and Devin's going into year two. So I'd say Kyle has one more year of experience and has started one game. He's played in games more than Devin.
“But it's going to be a heck of a competition. I'm really looking forward to seeing it. They both have a little bit of a different skill set and it's gonna be fun to watch them compete this spring.”
Ohio State begins its spring practice schedule on March 7, culminating with the annual spring game on April 15. Perhaps soon thereafter, the Buckeyes will name a new starter under center.
