NFL prospect C.J. Stroud finally declared for the draft on January 16th, 2023. What does that mean for Ohio State?

Ohio State will have a few QBs competing for the spot this season with the three biggest names being freshman quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, junior quarterback Kyle McCord, and sophomore QB Devin Brown. McCord was rated a five star QB out of high school. Kienholz was rated a four star QB out of high school. Brown was also rated a four star QB out of high school. Ohio State has been really good with QBs with potentially 3 QBs going in the 1st round of the NFL draft; Justin Fields, Dwayne Haskins, and Stroud are projected to go top 10 this year.

Kienholz had a slow start in high school throwing 16 interceptions in junior year of high school. Kienholz dropped his interceptions to six his senior year and was offered by the Buckeyes after the season. After having an outstanding senior year, he was rated a four star and ended up committing to the QBU The Ohio State University.

Eleven Warriors started in their follow up on four star QB Kienholz.

“Kienholz had a magnificent senior year statistically, as he completed 66.5 percent of his passes for 3,422 yards and 46 touchdowns to six interceptions. As a runner, Kienholz ran for 1,435 yards with 24 rushing touchdowns en route to leading the Governors to a perfect 12-0 season,” says Garrick Hodge.

The other QB McCord most likely to be the starter has been sitting behind Stroud for the past two years and has seen a lot of action in the 2021 season when Stroud went down. McCord was a stud in high school and Ohio State hopes it can translate to the college football level. Many think he will be the QB.

Ryan Day likes that McCord has been in the system for 2 years already, and Nathan Baird had this to say.

“McCord already has one start under his belt. It came in 2021 as a true freshman, when Stroud sat out the Akron game to rest his injured shoulder. He said he looks back at that game occasionally and sees a “night and day” difference from the quarterback he is today,” says Nathan Baird.

Brown who has seen action but very little, occasionally when Ohio State is up 50 points. Brown was also a stud out of high school, but he doesn’t have as much experience as McCord. Many believe he could be the QB once McCord is gone, but he could also possibly transfer out.

Brown probably won’t start because of the connection McCord has with the nation’s best receiver.

“McCord brings a five-star pedigree, two years of experience in Ryan Day’s system, and a relationship with Ohio State’s No. 1 receiving target Marvin Harrison Jr. that dates back to their days at St. Joseph’s (PA.) Preparatory Academy,” says Chris Renne.