Ryan Day wants to see a sizeable gap in starting quarterback battle

The Ohio State Buckeyes 2023 season opener against the Indiana Hoosiers is less than three weeks away, and the program has yet to name a starting quarterback. Recently, head coach Ryan Day addressed the subject and gave some insight into what he’s looking for to make his decision. According to the Buckeyes headman, he needs to see some sizable separation in play during fall camp, to name his starter.

“Yeah, you’d like a sizable gap to name a starter, for sure. It’s hard to name somebody when there isn’t a significant gap,” said Day. “So, looking for someone to emerge. There’s been good things. There’s been things that they want back. And I appreciate their competitiveness right now. They’re going at it every day. We are not ready to name a starter right now. And so, the competition will continue this week.

The two favorites to secure the starting nod for the 2023 season are junior Kyle McCord and sophomore Devin Brown. Day has not tipped his hand on which quarterback will start for the Buckeyes in Week 1. Both McCord and Brown could see time as Ohio State’s starter in 2023. But as their season opener draws nearer, the Buckeyes’ headman window to make a decision without the competition bleeding into the season closes.

Day addresses where Ohio State stands at right tackle

Another huge offensive question the Buckeyes must answer during the 2023 campaign is how they’ll handle breaking in two new tackles. Recently, Day spoke about where his team stands at the right tackle position, heading into the 2023 season.

“Right tackle. We’ve been moving some guys around to figure out what the right mixture and combination is going to be,” Day began.

“I like the progression that we’re making. I think that when you look at Josh Fryar, look at Tegra [Tashabola], look at [Jimmy Simmons], look at [Luke] Montgomery. All four of those guys are competing at a high level. Zen’s [Michalski] also in there. George [Fitzpatrick] is getting better. But those four guys are competing. And we’re trying to figure out what is the best mixture of right, left, and Justin [Frye] and Mike and the guys are in there working hard to figure that part of it out. I’m encouraged. I’m excited. I think we have a chance to be good at that position.”

There’s no question the physicality across the offensive line will play a critical role in determining the success of Ohio State’s season. They’ve got no shortage of elite skill players at running back and receiver, but they’ll need the bodies up front to block if they want to have a great year.