Buckeyes QB Battle: Kyle McCord or Devin Brown? A Question 'Not Even Ohio State Knows'

While the decision regarding whether to start Devin Brown or Kyle McCord remains in the air for the Buckeyes, there could be an even longer waiting period before coach Ryan Day makes his decision for next season.

Author:
Matt Guzman
Jun 3, 2023 1:03 PM EDT

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Ohio State Buckeyes

Two names sit atop the list of priorities for the Ohio State Buckeyes next season.

One is Devin Brown, a rising sophomore who saw very little playing time last year, and the other is Kyle McCord, a third-year veteran who has gone under center for the Buckeyes more than a few times in his previous two seasons.

While both quarterbacks have different levels of in-game experience, both of them are still in the conversation to be Ohio State's starting quarterback next year as the team looks to break through to the National Championship once again.

Coach Ryan Day had hoped to give fans a better idea of who would be taking the snaps in the fall following April's spring game, but had nothing but praise for both quarterbacks, with no clear answer even now.

And some analysts think it could stay that way for a long while.

ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit, shared his thoughts on the Buckeyes' quarterback dilemma, bringing his perspective after playing quarterback for Ohio State for four years in the late 80s and early 90s.

"I don't think they even know [who's going to play quarterback]," Herbstreit said. "They have two guys that are more than capable, [and] regardless of which guy wins ... they're going to find a way to put a lot of points on the board."

Since Day's takeover in 2018, the Buckeyes have played well every season. Naturally, winning a championship is the ultimate goal for any program, and while Ohio State has yet to win under Day, it has gotten close.

But the added motivation from falling just short year after year puts the Buckeyes in a tough position. Ohio State wants to win and can't afford to take a step back, putting utmost importance on the quarterback decision.

As such, there could be an extended timeline for Day to examines his quarterbacks under center, similar to the way a rather familiar Buckeyes opponent did last season.

"I wouldn't be shocked if [Day] used the first two or three games to let [Brown and McCord] play it out," Herbstreit said. "It's only fair ... like what Jim Harbaugh did [with Michigan] last year. Give [one] guy a half, or a game, and give the other guy the same thing. It'll be easier to make a decision that way."

To Herbstreit's point, Harbaugh's strategy paid off.

After just two games, the latter being a blowout victory against Hawaii, Michigan found success behind sophomore J.J. McCarthy, who eventually led them to the FBS playoff ... and past Ohio State.

So, with summer camp looming, the Buckeyes will be looking to make their best choice at quarterback this offseason. They will decide whether Brown or McCord makes more sense — even if it takes a few games into the season.

Either way, whoever ends up getting the call will be assuming a large role next season, and will likely be a driving force behind Ohio State's success.