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Should big programs like Ohio State even bother to recruit high school QBs anymore?
In the era of the transfer portal, many big programs are opting to go by way of the proven collegiate QB rather than developing a player out of high school. Should Ohio State follow suit?
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It begs the question: Is continuing to put in the effort and resources to recruit high school quarterbacks as one of the top programs in the country even worth it anymore?
In the era of NIL, is it not potentially more cost effective to spend $3M-$5 on a proven transfer quarterback who is going to come in and dominate right away? Would you rather spend $1M-$3M on a guy who was good in high school but whose game may not transfer over, who may need to sit for a year or two before they even take the field and who could opt to transfer before that time even comes?
It’s an interesting situation to find yourself in, especially as Ohio State.
The Buckeyes have only really ever gone the transfer QB route out of necessity. They brought in Fields in 2019 because they (rightfully) did not believe in Tate Martell. They went out and got Howard in 2024 because McCord was not good enough in 2023.
The transfer QB has always been a backup plan rather than a strategy, but could/should that change?
Ohio State and Ryan Day will always be able to land top prospects at the position. The Buckeyes have a high four-star in Brady Edmunds committed in the 2027 class. They have the nation’s top QB in Christopher Vargas currently committed in the 2028 class. These are both very good players.
Bringing in guys with talent hasn’t been and won’t ever be an issue, but sometimes those highly touted recruits don’t work out. If you have the option to go out and get someone who has already proven they can be successful at the next level, is that not a better use of your time and resources?
Ohio State isn’t there just yet, but it feels like the rest of the upper echelon of college football is shifting that way. With how fast things move these days, you cannot afford to be left behind.
