Ohio State football: The Quarterback room could get really crowded

The Ohio State football team got some very interesting news yesterday. All of a sudden, the quarterback room could become very crowded.

Some interesting news about the five-star 2022 quarterback Quinn Ewers broke Wednesday afternoon. According to Yahoo Sports’ Pete Thamel, Ewers is “leaning” towards reclassifying, meaning he would join the 2021-22 Ohio State Football team. This could impact the plan for OSU’s quarterback room in the next few years.

First off, nothing regarding Ewers decision to reclassify is for sure. For now, it is simply an option Ewers is considering. But if he does reclassify, Ohio State’s quarterback room is about to get really crowded.

With Ewers joining this year’s team, this gives the Buckeyes three quarterbacks with four years of eligibility, Ewers, Kyle McCord, and Jack Miller III. In addition, the Buckeyes have C.J. Stroud with two years of eligibility left. Every mentioned QB will be in contention for the starting job. As of now, Stroud seems to be the favorite to start, but with Ewers’ possible reclassification the QB battle could get really murky.

All four quarterbacks are talented players that could start at most schools. Keeping this room together beyond the upcoming season would be a tall order. Similar to the 2019-20 season, Ohio State could have depth issues at quarterback once again if players decide to transfer.

Even if Ohio State manages to keep this group together, the next hurdle is continuing to recruit quarterbacks at a high level. Assuming Stroud leaves after two starting seasons, Ohio State could have three quarterbacks with 2-3 years of eligibility left competing for the 2023-24 starting QB spot.

Convincing a 2023 quarterback recruit to join this crowded position room would not be easy. Of course, Ryan Day will get a quarterback in the 2023 class if he wants it. However, will an elite five-star join a team where they could be a backup for several seasons? At the very least, this crowded quarterback room could impact the quality of future QB commits.

If Ewers does reclassify, this is not a negative by any means. Ewers is one of the top QB recruits ever, his early arrival gives them a generational talent. Say Ewers redshirts this season rather than start, he is given an extra season to develop and learn the OSU playbook.

Without a doubt, adding a talent like Ewers to this season’s quarterback group is exciting but it does create a very crowded room, which could present new challenges.