Ohio State Quarterbacks: A Complete Guide

The Ohio State Buckeyes have a rich history of producing talented quarterbacks. From legendary names like Les Horvath and Archie Griffin to recent stars like C.J. Stroud and Justin Fields, Ohio State has consistently fielded some of the nation's top signal-callers. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Ohio State quarterbacks, covering everything from the program's all-time greats to the current roster and future prospects.

Ohio State Quarterback History

Ohio State's quarterback lineage is filled with players who have left an indelible mark on the program and college football as a whole. Here's a look at some of the most notable quarterbacks in Ohio State history:

Early Pioneers (1900s-1950s)

• Les Horvath (1942, 1944): Horvath was Ohio State's first Heisman Trophy winner, leading the Buckeyes to their first national championship in 1942. A versatile player, Horvath excelled as a passer, runner, and defensive back.
• Vic Janowicz (1949-1951): Janowicz won the Heisman Trophy in 1950, showcasing his talents as a quarterback, kicker, and defensive back. He led Ohio State to a Rose Bowl victory in 1950.

Woody Hayes Era (1951-1978)

• Dave Leggett (1955-1957): A key player in Ohio State's 1957 national championship team, Leggett was known for his leadership and clutch performances.
• Rex Kern (1968-1970): Kern led the Buckeyes to an undefeated season and national championship in 1968. A tough and resilient player, Kern was a three-year starter for Woody Hayes.
• Cornelius Greene (1972-1975): Greene was the first African-American quarterback to start for Ohio State. He led the Buckeyes to four consecutive Big Ten titles and was known for his strong arm and running ability.

Modern Era (1978-Present)

• Art Schlichter (1978-1981): Schlichter was a highly touted recruit who set numerous Ohio State passing records. He led the Buckeyes to the Rose Bowl in 1980.
• Jim Karsatos (1983-1986): Karsatos was a steady and reliable quarterback who led Ohio State to the Rose Bowl in 1985.
• Greg Frey (1988-1990): Frey was a dual-threat quarterback who excelled as both a passer and runner. He led the Buckeyes to the Hall of Fame Bowl in 1989.
• Bobby Hoying (1992-1995): Hoying was a record-setting passer who led Ohio State to the Rose Bowl in 1996. He was known for his strong arm and accuracy.
• Joe Germaine (1996-1998): Germaine was a prolific passer who set numerous Ohio State passing records. He led the Buckeyes to the Sugar Bowl in 1997.
• Steve Bellisari (1999-2001): Bellisari was a dual-threat quarterback who led Ohio State to the Outback Bowl in 2001.
• Craig Krenzel (2001-2003): Krenzel led the Buckeyes to an undefeated season and national championship in 2002. He was known for his leadership and clutch performances.
• Troy Smith (2003-2006): Smith won the Heisman Trophy in 2006, becoming the seventh Ohio State player to win the award. He led the Buckeyes to the national championship game in 2006.
• Terrelle Pryor (2008-2010): Pryor was a highly touted recruit who led Ohio State to two Rose Bowl victories. He was known for his athleticism and strong arm.
• Braxton Miller (2011-2015): Miller was a two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year. He led the Buckeyes to the Orange Bowl in 2013.
• J.T. Barrett (2014-2017): Barrett holds numerous Ohio State passing records. He led the Buckeyes to the national championship in 2014.
• Dwayne Haskins (2018): Haskins had a record-breaking season in 2018, setting numerous Ohio State and Big Ten passing records. He was a Heisman Trophy finalist.
• Justin Fields (2019-2020): Fields was a dynamic dual-threat quarterback who led Ohio State to two College Football Playoff appearances. He was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2019.
• C.J. Stroud (2021-2022): Stroud was a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist who set numerous Ohio State passing records. He led the Buckeyes to the College Football Playoff in 2022.

Current Ohio State Quarterbacks

Ohio State's quarterback room is currently led by rising star Kyle McCord. McCord, a former five-star recruit, is poised to take the reins of the Buckeyes' offense and continue the program's tradition of quarterback excellence. Other quarterbacks on the roster include Devin Brown and Lincoln Kienholz, both of whom are talented prospects with bright futures. — 4L60E Transmission For Sale: Best Deals & Where To Find

Kyle McCord

Kyle McCord is a highly touted quarterback who has been waiting for his opportunity to lead the Ohio State offense. A former five-star recruit, McCord has all the tools to be a star at the collegiate level. He possesses a strong arm, excellent accuracy, and the ability to make plays with his legs. McCord has drawn comparisons to former Ohio State quarterbacks like Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud, and he is expected to be one of the top quarterbacks in the nation this season.

Devin Brown

Devin Brown is another talented quarterback in the Ohio State quarterback room. Brown is a dual-threat quarterback with a strong arm and the ability to make plays with his legs. He is a former four-star recruit who has impressed coaches with his work ethic and dedication. Brown is expected to compete for playing time this season and could be a future star for the Buckeyes.

Lincoln Kienholz

Lincoln Kienholz is a true freshman quarterback who has joined the Ohio State program this season. Kienholz is a highly regarded prospect with a bright future. He is a dual-threat quarterback with a strong arm and the ability to make plays with his legs. Kienholz is expected to develop under the tutelage of Ohio State's coaching staff and could be a key contributor in the future. — Argyle Lake: A Guide To Oakleaf Town Center's Gem

Future Ohio State Quarterbacks

Ohio State's quarterback pipeline is always stocked with talented prospects. The Buckeyes have a long history of recruiting top quarterbacks, and the program is expected to continue to attract elite talent in the future. Some of the top quarterback recruits who have committed to Ohio State in recent years include:

• Air Noland (Class of 2024): Noland is a five-star recruit who is considered one of the top quarterbacks in the nation. He is a dynamic passer with a strong arm and excellent accuracy.
• Julian Sayin (Class of 2024): Sayin is another five-star recruit who is committed to Ohio State. He is a polished passer with a high football IQ.
• Dylan Raiola (Class of 2024): Raiola was committed to Ohio State before decommitting and ultimately signing with Nebraska. He was a five-star recruit and the No. 1 overall player in the 2024 class.

Ohio State Quarterback Records

Ohio State quarterbacks have set numerous records over the years. Here's a look at some of the most notable records held by Ohio State quarterbacks: — Strasbourg Vs. Crystal Palace: Match Preview

• Passing Yards: C.J. Stroud (8,123 yards)
• Passing Touchdowns: J.T. Barrett (104 touchdowns)
• Total Offense: J.T. Barrett (12,697 yards)
• Single-Season Passing Yards: C.J. Stroud (4,435 yards in 2022)
• Single-Season Passing Touchdowns: Dwayne Haskins (50 touchdowns in 2018)
• Single-Game Passing Yards: C.J. Stroud (573 yards vs. Utah in 2022)
• Single-Game Passing Touchdowns: Dwayne Haskins (6 touchdowns vs. Maryland in 2018)

Ohio State Quarterbacks in the NFL

Many Ohio State quarterbacks have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL. Here's a look at some of the most notable Ohio State quarterbacks who have played in the NFL:

• Troy Smith: Smith won the Heisman Trophy in 2006 and was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played four seasons in the NFL.
• Terrelle Pryor: Pryor was a highly touted recruit who played three seasons at Ohio State. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the third round of the 2011 NFL Supplemental Draft. Pryor played eight seasons in the NFL, primarily as a wide receiver.
• Braxton Miller: Miller was a two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year at Ohio State. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Miller played three seasons in the NFL as a wide receiver.
• J.T. Barrett: Barrett holds numerous Ohio State passing records. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2018. Barrett has spent time on the practice squads of several NFL teams.
• Dwayne Haskins: Haskins had a record-breaking season in 2018 at Ohio State. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Haskins played two seasons in the NFL before tragically passing away in 2022.
• Justin Fields: Fields was a dynamic dual-threat quarterback at Ohio State. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Fields is currently the starting quarterback for the Bears.
• C.J. Stroud: Stroud was a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist at Ohio State. He was drafted by the Houston Texans with the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Stroud is expected to be the starting quarterback for the Texans this season.

Conclusion

The Ohio State Buckeyes have a storied history of quarterback excellence. From legendary names like Les Horvath and Archie Griffin to recent stars like C.J. Stroud and Justin Fields, Ohio State has consistently produced some of the nation's top signal-callers. With a talented quarterback room led by Kyle McCord and a pipeline of elite recruits, the future looks bright for Ohio State quarterbacks.