Ohio State Quarterbacks: History, Stats, And NFL Impact

Ohio State University has a rich history of producing talented quarterbacks who have gone on to achieve success in the NFL. This article provides a comprehensive guide to Ohio State quarterbacks, covering their history, stats, and impact on the NFL.

Introduction

The Ohio State Buckeyes have a storied football program, and the quarterback position has been central to their success. From legendary players like Rex Kern and Archie Griffin to recent stars like Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud, Ohio State has consistently produced top-tier quarterback talent. This article dives deep into the history of Ohio State quarterbacks, their notable achievements, and their impact on the NFL.

A Legacy of Quarterback Excellence

Ohio State's quarterback legacy is one of the most impressive in college football. The program has produced numerous All-Americans, Heisman Trophy candidates, and NFL Draft picks. The quarterbacks who have donned the Scarlet and Gray have consistently demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and a winning mentality.

Early Pioneers

In the early days of Ohio State football, quarterbacks like Chic Harley helped establish the program's tradition of excellence. Harley, who played from 1916 to 1919, was a three-time All-American and led the Buckeyes to their first Rose Bowl victory in 1920. His impact extended beyond the field, as he became a symbol of Ohio State's growing football prominence.

The Woody Hayes Era

The Woody Hayes era (1951-1978) saw the rise of several notable quarterbacks, including Rex Kern, who led the Buckeyes to an undefeated season and a national championship in 1968. Kern's toughness and leadership exemplified the hard-nosed style of football that Hayes emphasized.

Modern Stars

In recent decades, Ohio State has continued to produce elite quarterbacks. Players like Troy Smith, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2006, and Braxton Miller, a two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, have kept the Buckeyes at the forefront of college football. More recently, quarterbacks such as J.T. Barrett, Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields, and C.J. Stroud have carried on this tradition, achieving both individual accolades and team success.

Notable Ohio State Quarterbacks

Chic Harley (1916-1919)

• Achievements: Three-time All-American, led Ohio State to its first Rose Bowl victory.
• Legacy: A legendary figure in Ohio State football history, Harley's play and persona helped elevate the program to national prominence.

Rex Kern (1968-1970)

• Achievements: Led Ohio State to an undefeated season and a national championship in 1968.
• Legacy: Known for his toughness and leadership, Kern was a key player in one of Ohio State's greatest teams.

Art Schlichter (1978-1981)

• Achievements: Set numerous Ohio State passing records during his career.
• Legacy: Despite his off-field issues, Schlichter was a highly talented quarterback who showcased the potential for a modern passing attack at Ohio State.

Jim Karsatos (1982-1985)

• Overview: A reliable quarterback during a transition period for the program, Jim Karsatos kept the Buckeyes competitive and displayed resilience under pressure.
• Key Stats: Karsatos's consistency and leadership helped maintain Ohio State's reputation for quarterback excellence during the mid-1980s.

Troy Smith (2003-2006)

• Achievements: Heisman Trophy winner in 2006, led Ohio State to the national championship game.
• Legacy: Smith's electrifying play and leadership made him one of the most beloved quarterbacks in Ohio State history.

Terrelle Pryor (2008-2010)

• Achievements: Led Ohio State to two Big Ten championships and a Rose Bowl victory.
• Legacy: Pryor's dual-threat ability made him one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football.

Braxton Miller (2011-2015)

• Achievements: Two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year.
• Legacy: Miller's athleticism and versatility made him a standout player and a fan favorite.

J.T. Barrett (2014-2017)

• Achievements: Ohio State's all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns.
• Legacy: Barrett's leadership and consistency made him one of the most successful quarterbacks in program history. Reference: Ohio State Football Archives

Dwayne Haskins (2018)

• Achievements: Set Big Ten single-season passing records, finished third in Heisman Trophy voting.
• Legacy: Haskins's prolific passing ability made him a star in his lone season as a starter.

Justin Fields (2019-2020)

• Achievements: Two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, led Ohio State to the national championship game.
• Legacy: Fields's combination of arm talent and athleticism made him one of the most exciting quarterbacks in college football. Reference: https://www.ncaa.com/

C.J. Stroud (2021-2022)

• Achievements: Two-time Heisman Trophy finalist, set numerous Ohio State passing records.
• Legacy: Stroud's precision passing and poise under pressure established him as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation. Reference: https://www.bigten.org/

The Ohio State Quarterback Pipeline to the NFL

Ohio State's success in developing quarterbacks is evident in the number of players who have gone on to have successful NFL careers. From Super Bowl champions to Pro Bowlers, Ohio State quarterbacks have made a significant impact on the professional game. — Film Careers In Los Angeles: A Comprehensive Guide

Notable NFL Quarterbacks from Ohio State

• Mike Tomczak: A longtime NFL veteran, Tomczak played for several teams and had a solid career as a backup and spot starter.
• Joe Germaine: Germaine had a brief NFL career but was known for his strong arm and potential.
• Steve Bellisari: Bellisari transitioned to safety in the NFL after a successful career as a quarterback at Ohio State.
• Craig Krenzel: Krenzel had a short NFL career but is remembered for leading Ohio State to a national championship in 2002.
• Troy Smith: Smith had a brief NFL career as a backup quarterback.
• Terrelle Pryor: Pryor transitioned to wide receiver in the NFL and had a productive career with several teams. Reference: https://www.pro-football-reference.com/
• Dwayne Haskins: Haskins was a first-round pick and showed promise before his tragic passing.
• Justin Fields: Fields is currently the starting quarterback for the Chicago Bears and is considered one of the league's most promising young players.
• C.J. Stroud: Stroud was drafted second overall by the Houston Texans in 2023 and is expected to be their franchise quarterback.

The Quarterback Development Process at Ohio State

Ohio State's quarterback development process is a key factor in its success. The program focuses on recruiting top talent, providing expert coaching, and creating a competitive environment that pushes players to improve.

Recruiting Top Talent

Ohio State consistently recruits some of the top quarterback prospects in the country. The program's reputation for success and its location in a talent-rich recruiting area make it an attractive destination for young quarterbacks.

Coaching and Mentorship

Ohio State's coaching staff includes experienced quarterback coaches who provide expert instruction and mentorship. These coaches focus on developing players' technical skills, decision-making abilities, and leadership qualities.

Competitive Environment

Ohio State's quarterback room is typically filled with talented players who are all competing for playing time. This competitive environment pushes players to work harder and improve, ultimately benefiting the team.

The Future of Ohio State Quarterbacks

The future looks bright for Ohio State quarterbacks. The program continues to attract top talent and has a strong coaching staff in place to develop these players. With a commitment to excellence and a proven track record of success, Ohio State is poised to remain a quarterback powerhouse for years to come.

Emerging Talent

Ohio State's quarterback room is always filled with promising young players. These players are the future of the program and will be tasked with carrying on the legacy of Ohio State quarterbacks.

Recruiting Success

Ohio State's recruiting efforts continue to pay dividends. The program consistently lands top quarterback prospects, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent. — Fortuna, Costa Rica Weather: Best Time To Visit

FAQ Section

1. Who is the greatest Ohio State quarterback of all time?

There is no single answer to this question, as different fans and analysts have different opinions. However, some of the quarterbacks most frequently mentioned in this discussion include Chic Harley, Rex Kern, Troy Smith, and J.T. Barrett. — Live It Down Meaning: Recovering From Embarrassment

2. How many Ohio State quarterbacks have won the Heisman Trophy?

Ohio State has had one quarterback win the Heisman Trophy: Troy Smith in 2006. Smith's outstanding performance that season solidified his place among the Buckeye greats.

3. How many Ohio State quarterbacks have been drafted into the NFL?

Ohio State has produced numerous NFL Draft picks at the quarterback position. Players like Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud are recent examples of Buckeyes who have been selected early in the draft.

4. What qualities make a successful Ohio State quarterback?

A successful Ohio State quarterback typically possesses a combination of arm talent, athleticism, intelligence, leadership, and a strong work ethic. The ability to handle pressure and perform in big games is also crucial.

5. How does Ohio State develop its quarterbacks?

Ohio State's quarterback development process involves recruiting top talent, providing expert coaching, and fostering a competitive environment. The program emphasizes both physical and mental development, ensuring players are well-prepared for success at the college and professional levels.

6. Who are some recent Ohio State quarterbacks in the NFL?

Recent Ohio State quarterbacks making an impact in the NFL include Justin Fields (Chicago Bears) and C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans). Both players were high draft picks and are expected to be key contributors for their respective teams.

7. What is Ohio State's quarterback legacy?

Ohio State's quarterback legacy is one of the most impressive in college football. The program has consistently produced top-tier talent, with many quarterbacks going on to achieve success in the NFL. This legacy is a source of pride for the university and its fans.

Conclusion

The history of Ohio State quarterbacks is rich with tradition and success. From the early pioneers to the modern stars, Ohio State quarterbacks have consistently demonstrated excellence on and off the field. The program's commitment to recruiting and developing top talent ensures that the future of Ohio State quarterbacks remains bright.

The legacy of Ohio State quarterbacks is a testament to the program's commitment to excellence. As the Buckeyes continue to compete at the highest level of college football, the quarterback position will remain central to their success. Keep an eye on the emerging talent and the continued development of these players as they carry on the tradition of Ohio State quarterback excellence.