No. 1 – Ohio State
What Rittenberg Says
“For the first time since coach Ryan Day arrived in Columbus, the quarterback position in 2021 carried an element of mystery. The questions amplified after Stroud’s injury and a Week 2 home loss to Oregon. But by the end of the year, Stroud was a Heisman Trophy finalist and delivering record performances, especially in the Rose Bowl, where he completed 80.4% of his passes for 573 yards and six touchdowns. Stroud completed more than 80% of his attempts in three of his final four games, and passed for 2.165 yards in his final five contests. After throwing interceptions in each of his first three games, Stroud had just three picks — against 36 touchdown strikes — in the final nine contests. He enters his third season as one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy, which would make him the first winner in the Big Ten (and Ohio State) since quarterback Troy Smith in 2006.
“Stroud will almost certainly depart after the 2022 season, but Ohio State’s recruiting — and the continued presence of Day and offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson — should ease any worries. Kyle McCord, ESPN’s No. 31 overall recruit in 2020, will be ready to step in after another season as Stroud’s primary backup. Although quarterbacks Jack Miller and Quinn Ewers transferred out, Ohio State added Devin Brown, ESPN’s No. 4 pocket passer and No. 80 overall prospect for the 2022 class. Ohio State likely will add another quarterback or two, and the future seems secure beyond the coming season.”