I miss college football more than I miss Starbucks when I brew my own coffee at home because I have the occasional realization that I still have to pay back my student loans and shouldn’t be copping $5 cold brews. Tragic. So, in order to fill the hole in my heart, I will be coming out with a series of blogs over the offseason to prep myself and whoever else is reading this for the 2021 CFB season. First order of business, the Ohio State Quarterback position.

Justin Fields accounted for 5,400 yards passing & 63 passing TD’s, along with 800+ yards on the ground & 15 rushing TD’s in 2 years at OSU. Before Fields, Dwayne Haskins threw for 4,800 yards and 50 passing touchdowns in 2018 alone. OSU has the perfect formula/system in place for any QB to succeed to at their program. Add in the fact that they have 5-star talent at all their skill positions and offensive line, it’s no surprise that Haskins and Fields had that much success. So, the question is, who will take the reigns under center in 2021 and beyond? Let’s meet the candidates; CJ Stroud (2020 Backup), Jack Miller (2020 Backup), Kyle McCord (Incoming 5 star from Philly), and the future, #1 overall recruit Class of 2022 (perfect composite rating per 247, higher than T-Law) Quinn Ewers.

CJ Stroud – 2020 5 Star Commit out of Rancho Cucamonga, California

Who? Yup, there hasn’t been much chatter about Stroud but the kid can ball. The 5 star recruit went off during his senior season at Rancho as he threw for 3,878 yards and 47 TD’s while leading his team to the Cali State Semi-Finals. This year he was quiet for obvious reasons, but he was one of 2 backups for OSU (Jack Miller), and actually ripped off one electric play over the season.

Okay, the kid’s got some gas, BUT 2021 is going to offer a lot of competition for him. I’m not giving Jack Miller or Stroud much credit here because frankly, there’s minimal tape on them and they have little to no in game experience because of how jacked up OSU’s schedule was, BUT there’s a real possibility that one of them gets the nod on opening day. People forget, Jack Miller holds an Arizona state record with 115 passing touchdowns over his career and that he competed with Spencer Rattler to be the best QB in the state during that time. My brain, which roots for chaos and true freshman hero’s, can’t stop thinking about Kyle McCord coming in and alpha’ing the job. It’s more fun of a thought and a better story in my opinion, so let’s talk about him.

Kyle McCord – 2021 5 Star Commit out of Philadelphia Pennsylvania

The 6’3, 215 pound Philly native is my favorite for the job next season. Yes, I might be biased because he’s from Philly and I love a good Freshman QB, but there is still a legit chance that he can be Ryan Day’s guy and Justin Fields’ successor. I’m not a scout, but it makes sense that his frame and arm talent are already drawing him comparisons to Matt Stafford from scouts around the country.

In 6 games this season McCord threw for 1,600 passing yards, 25 TD’s and 1 pick, leading Saint Joe’s Prep to a 62-13 State Championship victory over Central York for their 3rd straight title in 3 years. Over his career at Saint Joe’s, the 3-year-starter set City League records for career passing yards (6,887) and TD Passes (88), making him one of the best QB prospects to come out of Philadelphia, ever.

McCord has a gorgeous throwing motion, makes fluid movement in and out of the pocket, and has the frame to bulldoze defenders and absorb hits. It’s going to be a battle, but I think he will end up being the starter in 2021 at some point. Just take a look at the tweet he fired off after the Buckeyes lost in the natty. This kid is hungry and most definitely has that Philly hustle in him.

Peep his HUDL highlights, they’re a work of art. I can’t wait to see this jawn in Buckeye Red.

So McCord, Stroud, and Miller are going to be battling it out in 2021, but let’s look ahead at the highest rated QB prospect to enter CFB (Class of 2022) since Vince Young.

Quinn Ewers – 2022 5 Star Commit out of Southlake, Texas

First things first, the 6’3 195 pound Pro Style QB received a PERFECT 1.0 composite rating from 247 sports. For reference, Trevor Lawrence received a .9999. That’s some wild stuff. Further, here are the only other prospects to receive a perfect rating from 247.

Not the best company considering most of these guys fizzled out in the NFL, but from a college perspective, that’s elite company. Important note, Ewers committed to Texas but de-committed around the end of October after the Longhorns started trending VERY downward. Smart move, BUT, there is some chatter that he may re-commit with the hiring of Steve Sarkisian. PLUS, if McCord runs away with the job next year, will he still want to be a Buckeye and potentially be a backup for 2 years? Or even compete for the starting job? We could have another Tate Martell/Justin Fields situation on our hands.

Either way, Ewers has the raw talent to come in and start at any school he wants to when the time comes. Plus, he might be the swaggiest recruit I’ve seen in a while.

I’ll be keeping my eye on Quinn throughout next season, but most recently, he lost the Texas State Championship last night 52-34, but he still put up 350 yards and 3 TD’s. Additionally, being the #1 player in the nation will bring hate. Here’s an example of they hype/hate Quinn has to deal with.

crying jordan face. clever.

Whoever is the Starter at OSU in the next two years is bound to put up video games numbers. It’s inevitable, like me going to Starbucks 5x’s a week even though I really shouldn’t. Whatever, either way sparks are going to fly in Columbus for years to come, and I am HYPE to see how this QB situation is going to shake out.

My Official Prediction: McCord 2021 starter, Ewers to commit elsewhere or McCord transfer and Ewers is OSU’s starter. I don’t see a world where they are at the same school for long.

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