Real Pod Wednesdays: What’s Next for Ohio State at Quarterback and Why Increased Transfer Attrition Shouldn’t Be Shocking

Now that Kyle McCord is in the transfer portal, the biggest question surrounding Buckeye football is who will replace him as Ohio State’s starting quarterback.

Plan A might be bringing in a transfer quarterback – and we see Washington State’s Cam Ward as Option A – but we also think Devin Brown and Lincoln Kienholz are both viable candidates to start next season if the Buckeyes don’t land a top passer from the portal. We spend the first 30 minutes of this week’s show talking all about why McCord’s Ohio State career came to an early end and what the Buckeyes’ future at quarterback could look like – both in the short term for the Cotton Bowl and in the long term for next season.

We also talk about the other 11 Buckeyes who have entered the transfer portal already and why none of their departures should be seen as shocking – though there are several players in that group who we expect to make an impact elsewhere – and why an increase in transfer attrition isn’t necessarily a bad thing for Ohio State.

Later in the show, we take our first look at Ohio State’s Cotton Bowl matchup with Missouri. Plus, we share our thoughts on the controversial decision to leave Florida State out of the College Football Playoff, why we’re glad the four-team playoff era is coming to an end and make our predictions for how the final four-team CFP will play out.

0:44: We don’t blame Kyle McCord for leaving, but Ohio State had to open up the QB competition
7:02: Conversation would be very different right now if OSU made a couple more plays vs. Michigan
8:39: Cam Ward is the best quarterback option for Ohio State in the transfer portal
15:22: Lincoln Kienholz could make a real run at the starting job (but don’t count out Devin Brown)
18:29: This isn’t Tate Martell to Justin Fields – Ohio State isn’t getting a guaranteed upgrade
21:45: Ohio State’s offense can benefit from having a QB who can do more with his legs
25:50: Run-up to Cotton Bowl creates opportunity for Brown and Kienholz to compete
29:38: Julian Fleming transferring for his final year of eligibility might be best for all parties
32:13: OSU could have to replace all offensive skill-position starters (if Emeka Egbuka doesn’t stay)
36:56: Kye Stokes, Jyaire Brown among transfers we expect to make an impact elsewhere
42:38: Increased transfer movement reflects shifting approach for Ryan Day, Ohio State
49:03: What challenges Missouri will present to Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl
55:07: Why Ohio State will be motivated to win the Cotton Bowl even though it’s not a CFP game
58:58: Florida State’s exclusion from the CFP shows why playoff expansion is overdue
1:02:59: Eight teams might be better than 12 teams, but both are better than four
1:09:05: Our picks for the CFP semifinals and the national championship game

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