In just about every program in the country, going 11-1 in your first year as a starter and throwing for 3170 yards and 30 TD’s is a damn good start to a career. However, Ohio State is not one of those programs.

Junior Quarterback, Kyle McCord, has elected to enter the transfer portal and showcase his skills elsewhere. The former 5 start QB will likely be a hot commodity for QB-needy teams.

If there is an Ohio State fan that is crying into their pillow after receiving this news, I haven’t found them yet. The general consensus from Buckeye faithful is that we are happy with the decision and wish Kyle the best.

But the question remains, where will the Buckeyes search to fill the void? I’m going to provide my dream scenarios, what is likely, and what is unlikely but possible.

Dream Scenario

Arch Manning

It seems that Quinn Ewers (former Buckeye) may make a return to Texas next season. This QB class is LOADED with talent and his draft stock likely will be much higher with another season under his belt.

That puts backups Arch Manning and Maalik Murphy in tough situations. Both are capable of stepping into a starting position, but Arch Manning has the higher upside and would likely have the biggest immediate impact on a program like Ohio State.

For Arch, the receiving room sells itself. Want to have the chance to throw to an entire field of 5-star receivers who all have a minimum of two years left before they enter the draft? Ohio State is your place then. Want to learn from the coaches who helped develop C.J. Stroud into the #2 pick and possible Rookie of the Year (if not MVP)? OSU is your place.

The likelihood seems low. Non-existent some might say (actual reports out there that he is happy at Texas and not leaving), but the prospect is very attractive in my dreams. And my grandpa always told me to dream big.

Dillon Gabriel

Dillon Gabriel has officially entered his name in the transfer portal and cements himself as one of the top available QBs for teams in need of a short-term solution at QB. Gabriel would be taking advantage of his Covid year as the 6th year QB looks to find his final home.

Gabriel is coming off his second consecutive 3000-yard season and features the same exact stat line as McCord with 30TDs and 6INTs on the year.

The reason I like this option is that the lefty gunslinger would provide a veteran presence in a locker room featuring Air Noland (also lefty) who would be primed to take over after Gabriel wins the Buckeyes a championship (I’m still dreaming just let me have this). Noland is enrolling early and would have plenty of time to learn and compete with Gabriel ahead of the 2024 season.

Gabriel is already being linked to teams like Mississippi State and Texas A&M who will likely pony up the doe to try and win now. Gabriel followed his former UCF OC Jeff Lebby to Oklahoma and Lebby recently took the head coaching job at Mississippi State which raises the question of whether he will follow him again.

Not sure the Buckeyes are real contenders here, but a man can dream.

What is Most Likely?

Cam Ward

Cam Ward’s name keeps being brought up in discussion as the next possible QB for the Buckeyes. The signal caller from West Columbia, Texas has had a solid college career and looks to make his next move as Washington State will essentially cease to exist with the Pac12 dying. RIP in peace.

Cam Ward threw for 3700 yards and 25 touchdowns along with 8 scores on the ground for the Cougars. His ability will be attractive, but his experience and leadership will also generate interest from top programs.

Teams that want to attract Ward will have to open their pocketbooks with reports out there that Ward is generating interest in the low millions to play QB next season. Ohio State could likely accommodate, but the question will need to be asked if Ward gives you a that much of better chance at winning than Devin Brown or Lincoln Kienholz would.

I think the answer to that question is yes, but there is a cost associated with that yes that the Buckeyes will have to weigh.

Devin Brown or Lincoln Kienholz

The best option for the Buckeyes might still be on campus. I know, I know, I know. Brown lost the QB battle to McCord. But, he could be a breath of fresh air for this Buckeye offense providing a spark on the ground that isn’t just gimmicky goal line packages.

I hate that he never got a true look during the “QB Competition”. It felt like he was always inserted into games at odd times that didn’t allow for him to get into a rhythm and be confident. He has a full offseason to put the work in and prove he can be the guy to get OSU back on top of the Big10 and College Football world. I’m not saying it’s my preferred option, but it’s certainly a realistic one at this time.

Side note: It’s so damn hard to cheer for DB with that God-awful #. 33 doesn’t belong under center. I know the sentiment behind the decision, but I don’t care. Change it, please.

The other existing QB would be Lincoln Kienholz. The young former 4-star from South Dakota would give the Buckeyes a raw, but athletic player to develop and mold their offense around. Kienholz was a three-sport athlete and can use his legs to create extra time and opportunities when the pocket breaks down.

How well his game translates to Power 5 football is yet to be determined and going in the direction of Kienholz is a risky decision that could leave the Buckeyes in the same position they’re in this year.

Unlikely but Possible

DJ Uiagalelei 

I remember sitting on the couch watching DJU carve up Notre Dame and thinking “Damn, Clemson might be great forever.” But, it’s been a bumpier road since then. After a rocky first full season at Clemson, DJ hit the portal and committed to Oregon State where he had a decent season throwing for 2,600 yards and 21 touchdowns.

The support he would have from the receiver side at Ohio State would be vastly different than the group he had at Oregon State and would give the young man one last shot to showcase his skills. The big bodied QB has all the physical traits to be an NFL QB and Ohio State might be the best place to make that dream a reality.

The question remains again… Is the cost associated with DJU worth it?

Air Noland

What a tough ass name. It just sounds like a dude that can sling the rock. As mentioned above, Noland will step foot on campus this winter and have a full summer of work with the Buckeyes ahead of the 2024 season.

It seems unlikely that the true freshman steps directly into the starting position ahead of Devin Brown, Kienholz, or *insert transfer qb here*, but there is certainly a chance. The fact that he is enrolling early gives him some much needed chemistry with the OSU upperclassman and he will have the chance to prove how good he is before the Buckeye opener.

The lefty out of Fairburn, Georgia has drawn comparisons to Michael Penix. While not a run-first guy, he has the ability to use his legs to extend drives but he works best when working through his reads and finding the open guy.

I don’t think you would hear many moans and groans if Day decided to roll with the youngin’. The schedule couldn’t be more favorable and he’ll have plenty of chances to get in a rhythm and build his confidence ahead of Big10 play. However, it would be unprecedented for a true freshman to step into the starting QB role given the current room.

Wrapping Up

I hope the transfer portal has plenty of lube because it’s getting used and abused by players across the country looking for their next home (or money).

To Kyle McCord – I hope you find a place that brings you joy and that you find success during the rest of your college career. I wanted that success to be in Scarlet and Grey, but it simply wasn’t a good fit for either party.

I thought Baker Mayfield would be the last time I have to bid farewell to a #6. I hope Day and this staff can come together and find the best fit for this young and talented Buckeye team for the 2024 season. I have faith they’ll do so.

Till next time,

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