Ryan Day reveals Ohio State spring game QB plan without Devin Brown

A new chapter at Ohio State got its unofficial start Saturday as the Buckeyes played in their Scarlet and Gray spring game. With C.J. Stroud off to the NFL, the question remains who’ll replace him — and one of the candidates is out for the game.

Devin Brown was ruled out earlier this week due to a finger injury. He’s been competing with Kyle McCord for the starting job, and his absence opens the door for someone like Tristan Gebbia. The former Oregon State quarterback transferred in over the offseason and is expected to get some looks in the game, according to head coach Ryan Day.

The plan is to get both quarterbacks plenty of action because every snap is meaningful in the big picture.

“We’ve got to get them as many reps as possible,” Day told Big Ten Network’s Brooke Fletcher. “The more reps they have — they’re not going to be live — they’re all valuable reps. So we’ll get those guys a bunch of reps and see how they’ll shake out.”

Another player to keep an eye on is wide receiver Carnell Tate, who was named one of the true freshmen to watch across this weekend’s spring game action by On3’s Charles Power. Tate arrived at Ohio State as a four-star recruit and the No. 8-ranked wide receiver prospect from the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

But Day said fans will be able to see many other exciting players, as well.

“A bunch of guys,” Day said of who to keep an eye on. “Carnell Tate, for one, has been really tremendous at wide receiver. But there’s a bunch of guys that people will enjoy watching today.”

Ryan Day on the value of the spring game: ‘It isn’t the same thing as being in the Woody Hayes (Athletic Center)

Although Saturday’s spring game isn’t a true “game,” per se, Day said it’s still a good opportunity for players to get experience in a game-like situation. With a good crown on hand, expected to be upward of 42,000 people, Day said it’ll be good for his team to get reps outside of the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.

“When you see such a great crowd here … it’s exciting to see Buckeye Nation come out today and then, allow our players the opportunity to play in front of a crowd because it isn’t the same as being in the Woody Hayes in practice,” Day said. “Looking forward to seeing, especially our young guys, get some experience in The Shoe.”