BREAKING: Ryan Day Confirms intriguing hire to help Ohio State football QBs
Ryan Day and the Ohio State football program are aiming to reclaim their status as Big Ten champions and contenders for the National Championship. Heading into the season, Day has a stacked team that appears poised to compete with Georgia, Oregon, and Texas for a potential College Football Playoff berth.
Despite Ohio State’s perennial talent, they have suffered defeats to archrivals Michigan in the last three seasons, leading to some Buckeyes supporters questioning Day’s tenure. Nevertheless, Day has retained his position, and one of his immediate priorities is selecting his starting quarterback.
Devin Brown, last season’s backup, was initially viewed as a frontrunner for the job. However, the arrival of talented transfer Will Howard from Kansas State adds a competitive dynamic to the quarterback competition.
Ryan Day brings in Billy Fessler to help with his QB choice
Ohio State is set to bring on former Akron offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Billy Fessler as a QB analyst, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Fessler previously served as a graduate assistant under Ryan Day during the 2020 and 2021 seasons before moving to Akron, where he played a crucial role in developing the Zips’ offensive strategies.
Fessler’s career trajectory took a turn when he joined UCLA’s staff under Chip Kelly, who later left to become Ohio State’s offensive coordinator, resulting in Fessler’s plans with UCLA falling through. Now, Fessler is expected to join Ohio State as a QB analyst.
During his college years at Penn State, Fessler saw limited playing time.
In his new role, Fessler is anticipated to closely collaborate with quarterbacks Devin Brown and Will Howard as they compete for the starting QB1 position. The Buckeyes’ quarterback roster also includes Alabama transfer Julian Sayin and incoming freshman Air Noland.
Looking ahead, highly touted five-star quarterback recruit Tavien St. Clair from the 2025 recruiting class stands out as a potential future starter for Ohio State.
Defense likely to be key to Ohio State football’s season
As the Ohio State football team gears up for their season opener on August 31 against Southern Mississippi, all eyes are on the potential battle for the QB1 position. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes’ defense, under the leadership of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, is shaping up to be formidable.
Knowles has assembled a unit rich with seasoned talent, anchored by standout defensive ends Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau. Known for their exceptional pass-rushing abilities and versatility, both Sawyer and Tuimoloau possess speed and a diverse array of techniques that pose significant challenges for opposing offensive tackles.
Joining them in the heart of the defensive line is defensive tackle Tyleik Williams, further solidifying Ohio State’s defensive front. Last season, Sawyer recorded 48 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks, while Tuimoloau contributed 38 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and 5.0 sacks. Williams, a dominant force on the interior, accumulated 53 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 3.0 sacks, showcasing his disruptive presence.
With such talent and experience leading the way, Ohio State’s defense is poised to be a formidable force in the upcoming season.