After surprising news Monday morning that Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord is entering the transfer portal, the Buckeyes will have a new starting quarterback for the 2024 season and beyond.
McCord led the Buckeyes to an 11-1 record this season. He threw for 3,169 yards with 24 touchdowns to just six interceptions. Unfortunately, Ohio State’s 30-24 loss to Michigan ended its national championship hopes and led to McCord’s departure.
With McCord gone, the QB roster includes two former four-star recruits: Devin Brown and Lincoln Kienholz. Brown is in his second year with Ohio State and was in the running to be the starting quarterback this season before being beaten out by McCord.
Kienholz is a talented freshman for the Buckeyes with a great deal of potential, and he is an option for the starting position next year. He may get an opportunity to show what he can do coming in the Cotton Bowl against Missouri in a few weeks.
Air Noland, the highly touted five-star quarterback will join the Buckeyes’ quarterback room next year. Although starting under center for Ohio State as a true freshman would be a very tall task, Noland is another potential option with a bright future.
And then there’s the avenue that’s becoming more commonplace: bringing in a quarterback in the transfer portal. In college football today, the transfer portal has become more important than ever.
In fact, the top three contenders for the Heisman trophy this year all landed with their current team after transferring. Jayden Daniels landed at LSU after starting his career at Arizona State. Michael Penix Jr. became a superstar at Washington after injuries held him back at Indiana. Bo Nix found success at Oregon after struggling at Auburn.
Ohio State also has recent success with transfer portal quarterbacks. Justin Fields joined Ohio State after one season at Georgia and lost just two games in his two seasons for the Buckeyes.
The options for quarterbacks in the transfer portal this year are very strong and the list continues to grow. The list includes quarterbacks with multiple years of starting experience as well as young, former highly recruited guys.
Here are 10 transfer portal quarterback options Ohio State may go after.