Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is hyping up what could be one of the most competitive quarterback battles in college football for 2025. With a mix of five-star recruits and transfer portal talent, the Buckeyes’ quarterback room is overflowing with potential. But is this really an open competition, or is Day just selling a narrative while the real decision has already been made behind closed doors?

The Illusion of Competition

Ryan Day loves to preach about competition, but history suggests he often knows his guy long before the battle “officially” begins. In 2023, Kyle McCord was named the starter after what was billed as a close competition with Devin Brown—only for McCord to struggle and transfer after the season. In 2024, Ohio State brought in Will Howard and Julian Sayin, yet it wouldn’t be shocking if the coaching staff already has a favorite lined up for 2025.

Fans love the idea of a quarterback battle—it creates drama, keeps players hungry, and gives the illusion that everyone has a fair shot. But let’s be honest: coaches don’t gamble with the most important position on the field. Day likely already knows who he wants running the offense in 2025, and the rest is just window dressing.

Does Experience Even Matter?

With the transfer portal shaking up rosters every year, does it even make sense to invest in high school recruits anymore? If Ohio State can just pluck a ready-made quarterback from another program, why bother developing a young guy? The Buckeyes have five-star recruits lined up, but if a veteran transfer enters the picture, the so-called competition might be dead on arrival.

If Day truly believes in competition, will he let an unproven recruit beat out a seasoned transfer? Or will Ohio State continue to favor experience over long-term development?

The Bigger Problem: Does Day Even Have the Right Guy?

Ohio State has had elite quarterback play for years, but the Buckeyes haven’t won a national championship under Day. The pressure is mounting, and if he picks the wrong quarterback again, fans and boosters won’t be patient. The 2025 QB decision isn’t just about choosing a starter—it’s about proving that Day can still identify and develop a championship-caliber signal-caller.

So, is the 2025 QB competition real? Or is Ohio State’s next quarterback already locked in while the rest fight for a job they’ll never win? Buckeye fans better hope it’s the former—because Day can’t afford to get this one wrong.