Opportunities for the Ohio State football team to try to compensate a former recruit to return

Ohio State’s Quarterback Dilemma: A Look at the Past, Present, and Future

The Ohio State Buckeyes found themselves in a challenging position entering the 2023 football season, particularly when it came to their quarterback situation. With no experienced signal-callers on the roster, the team turned to the transfer portal to address this critical gap. This led them to secure Will Howard, who has since taken the reins and guided the Buckeyes through a competitive season.

However, the circumstances that brought Howard to Columbus raise questions about what might have been if the Buckeyes had retained one of the most highly touted recruits in their program’s history. The loss of Quinn Ewers—a generational talent from the 2021 recruiting class—left Ohio State scrambling for answers at the quarterback position.

The Quinn Ewers Saga: A Lost Opportunity

In the 2021 recruiting cycle, Ohio State pulled off a major win by landing Quinn Ewers, the top-rated prospect in the country. Ewers’ arrival generated immense excitement among Buckeyes fans, with many envisioning him as the future face of the program. However, his tenure in Columbus was short-lived. After just one year, Ewers entered the transfer portal and returned to his home state of Texas, joining the Longhorns.

The move wasn’t entirely surprising, given the evolving dynamics of college football’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era. Ewers reportedly earned significant NIL deals during his brief time at Ohio State, and his transfer seemed motivated by both personal and professional considerations. The Buckeyes, meanwhile, were left to regroup after losing a player many believed could have transformed their program for years to come.

NIL Speculation: Could Ewers Return to the Big Ten?

Recent reports suggest that a Big Ten program has made a substantial NIL offer to Ewers in hopes of luring him back to the conference for the 2024 season. This development has sparked widespread speculation among fans and analysts alike, with some wondering whether Ohio State might be behind the rumored bid.

While the idea of reuniting with Ewers might seem appealing at first glance, a deeper analysis suggests that Ohio State is unlikely to be the mystery suitor. For one, Ewers’ time in Columbus ended on less-than-ideal terms, and both parties have since moved in different directions. Furthermore, the Buckeyes have pressing long-term priorities at quarterback that make a one-year rental like Ewers a less attractive option.

Why Ohio State Likely Isn’t Pursuing Ewers

The Buckeyes’ current quarterback philosophy centers on developing their young talent rather than relying on short-term fixes. Bringing Ewers back would almost certainly mean sidelining players like Julian Sayin, Air Noland, and Tavien St. Clair—all of whom represent the future of Ohio State football.

For Ohio State, the goal is to build sustained success through continuity and development. Adding Ewers for just one season would disrupt this process and potentially hinder the growth of the program’s younger quarterbacks.

Moreover, it’s far from guaranteed that Ewers would even entertain the idea of returning to Ohio State. The 2023 season has been a strong one for Ewers, and his current focus is likely on leading Texas through the College Football Playoff. Should he decide to forgo the NFL Draft in favor of another collegiate season, staying at Texas might still be his most logical choice.

Moving Forward Without Ewers

For Ohio State, the chapter with Ewers is firmly in the past. While his departure was undoubtedly a setback at the time, the Buckeyes have demonstrated resilience in adapting to the challenges it created. The addition of Will Howard through the transfer portal has provided stability for the 2023 season, and the program is now in a position to look ahead to the next generation of quarterbacks.

The Buckeyes’ immediate focus should remain on their current goals. Beating Tennessee in their upcoming matchup and ending the season on a high note is critical. Beyond that, the coaching staff must concentrate on preparing the young talent already on the roster to take over in 2024 and beyond.

Ohio State’s future under center is brimming with potential. Julian Sayin, Air Noland, and Tavien St. Clair each bring unique skills and promise to the table, and the program’s success will hinge on their development. By investing in these young players, Ohio State can build a foundation for long-term success that transcends the short-term allure of a high-profile transfer.

The Larger NIL Landscape

Ewers’ situation also highlights broader trends in college football, particularly the growing influence of NIL deals on player movement. The emergence of lucrative NIL opportunities has fundamentally reshaped the sport, giving players unprecedented leverage in choosing where to play.

For programs like Ohio State, navigating this new landscape requires a delicate balance between securing top talent and maintaining a cohesive team culture. While NIL offers can attract elite recruits, over-reliance on short-term fixes can disrupt team dynamics and hinder long-term growth.

The Buckeyes’ approach moving forward should prioritize stability and development. By fostering a culture that emphasizes player growth and team unity, Ohio State can position itself as a destination for recruits who value more than just financial incentives.

Lessons Learned

The Quinn Ewers saga serves as a cautionary tale for both players and programs. For Ewers, the decision to leave Ohio State may have been the right move at the time, but it also underscores the challenges of navigating a rapidly changing college football landscape. For Ohio State, the experience has highlighted the importance of adaptability and forward-thinking leadership.

As the Buckeyes continue to evolve, their focus should remain on building a program that can compete at the highest level year after year. This means prioritizing long-term development over quick fixes and embracing the opportunities and challenges of the NIL era.

Ultimately, Ohio State’s success will depend on its ability to balance tradition with innovation. By staying true to its values while adapting to the demands of modern college football, the program can ensure its place among the sport’s elite for years to come.