Ohio State vs Oregon starting QB today: Rose Bowl game QB depth chart

Ohio State and Oregon will clash again, this time at the Rose Bowl, for a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals. As usual, the game will be played in Pasadena at 5 p.m. ET on New Year’s Day.

After finishing the season undefeated, the top-ranked Oregon Ducks (13-0) will look to beat the Ohio State Buckeyes (11-2) for the second time this year. This might be the closest game in the CFP quarterfinals.

Both teams will have experienced quarterbacks under center. Dillon Gabriel will start for the Ducks, while Will Howard will get the nod at Ohio State.

Will Howard - Starting QB for Ohio State in Rose Bowl

Will Howard is coming off a strong game versus Tennessee - Source: Imagn

After a solid four-year career at Kansas State, Will Howard transferred to Columbus for one final college season. He responded by throwing for 3,171 yards, 39 touchdowns and nine interceptions this season.

The former Wildcat is also able to make plays with his feet, although he’s been more of a pocket passer since arriving at Ohio State. He played well in the first game against Oregon, passing for 326 yards and two touchdowns, but time ran out on a potential game-winning drive.

The Downingtown, Pennsylvania native has also faced pressure after coach Ryan Day decided to change signal-callers after the 2023 season. As Howard arrived, Kyle McCord transferred to Syracuse, where he led the nation in passing yards.

Dillon Gabriel - Starting QB for Oregon in Rose Bowl

Dillon Gabriel, a former Oklahoma Sooner, transferred to Oregon after two years in Norman. He had previously spent three seasons at Central Florida.

Gabriel had an outstanding 2024 season. He finished with 3,558 yards, 28 touchdowns and six picks. The senior quarterback finished third in Heisman voting behind Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty.

The Mililani, Hawaii native, was arguably the best player on the nation’s best team in the regular season. He will now try to carry his best football into the Rose Bowl.

Ohio State vs Oregon: Head-to-head history

This is the biggest rivalry in the CFP quarterfinals. The Buckeyes hold a 9-2 series lead over Oregon, but the Ducks won the last two meetings. The most recent game was played in October when the Ducks escaped with a narrow 32-31 win.

Before that, Oregon won 35-28 in a trip to Columbus in 2021. This will be the third time they will face each other in the Rose Bowl, with the Buckeyes climbing victories in 1958 and 2010. Ohio State also won their only previous meeting in the CFP, taking the 2015 national championship game 42-20.