Joel Klatt explains why he's not concerned about new QB, offensive coordinator at Ohio State

We do not know exactly who quite yet but Ohio State is going to have a new starting quarterback. Either Devin Brown or Kyle McCord will be led by a new offensive coordinator, Brian Hartline. It’s a bit of a transition period for head coach Ryan Day but there is still confidence in the Buckeyes from FOX’s Joel Klatt.

Why is Klatt still confident Ohio State can compete with the big boys despite a new quarterback and offensive coordinator? Because Day is still in charge of running the program. Having a fresh face under center is nothing new for him, dating back to originally working under Urban Meyer.

Only recently has there been some quarterback stability in Columbus.

“Even though you’ve got Brian Hartline, who is technically a new offensive coordinator,” Klatt began. “Even though you’ve got a new quarterback whether it’s Kyle McCord or some other player there. You still have Ryan Day and if you look at his track record, there are two things that jump out to me. One is — he has had, for the majority of his career, he’s had first-year quarterbacks, brand new starters.

“It wasn’t until the last two starters that he had — Justin Fields and CJ Stroud — that he actually had a second year with those two players. You can assume, on pretty good ground, that the quarterback will be fine, regardless of who it is.”

When you combined the first years of Fields and Stroud, Ohio State went a combined 24-3. They were the No. 3 and No. 1 scoring offense in the country, respectively. Fields was able to lead the program to a College Football Playoff appearance too.

As for potentially having a new play caller in Hartline, Klatt points out that Day is not just going away. He will still be able to communicate with Hartline and give his opinions when needed.

Oh and having the best wide receiver in college football should help too.

“Ryan Day can be like ‘Hey, now is time for that shot play.’ He’s on the headset as well,” Klatt said. “So, am I all that concerned about a first-year shoe filler at Ohio State? No, not really. In fact, if you’re going to be a first-year shoe filler, play caller, or quarterback, where do you want to do it? At Ohio State with Ryan Day looking over it and throwing to Marvin Harrison Jr.“