Ohio State QB2 projections: Who will be the backup option for Will Howard in 2024?

The search for the successor to quarterback Kyle McCord for the Ohio State Buckeyes lasted until a few weeks before the season began. The battle was between Kansas State transfer Will Howard and Devin Brown.

On Thursday, coach Ryan Day announced that Will Howard would be their starting QB and that the QB2 role would be occupied by Brown, who battled McCord admirably last season before ultimately losing out.

Julian Sayin, Air Noland and Lincoln Kienholz were all in consideration for the backup spot.

"We're excited about Will being the starter. Will has taken command of the offense. You feel him in the huddle. You feel his experience," Day said. "I know he's excited about leading the team. Devin will be No. 2."

The Ohio State QB2 matter is not yet a fait accompli, with coach Ryan Day revealing that talented freshman Julian Sayin could challenge for the position during the season.

“Yeah, for sure. The thing for Julian is getting more and more reps,” Day said. “He’s gonna play a lot of football at Ohio State. When he gets on the field is gonna be up to him.”

The Buckeyes are ranked No. 2 in the AP Preseason Top 25 poll.

Devin Brown almost stole Ohio State's QB1 spot

Devin Brown almost won the Ohio State Buckeyes' starting quarterback job last season before ultimately losing out to Kyle McCord. According to Ryan Day, who spoke to the media about the issue, it was a close battle.

“This time last year I thought Devin was gonna be the starter,” Day said. “Then Kyle came along in the end. Devin has shown the ability to do everything we’ve asked him to do.

"It’s the consistency part and taking care of the football part that he’s just got to make sure that he does a great job of moving forward. If he can do that, then he can play and be a contributor for us.” [via Cleveland.com].

Brown's injury in the Cotton Bowl against the Missouri Tigers disrupted talk of him capturing the QB1 job outright last season. However, he will certainly see snaps as the season continues.

It seems as if Devin Brown's fate for the upcoming season is to fight off Julian Sayin for the QB2 spot for the title-chasing Ohio State Buckeyes. Should he lose out to Sayin in the QB2 battle, entry into the transfer portal does not seem like a long shot.