Ohio State’s Day explains what he needs out of his QB in 2024

It’s still an open question as to who will be Ohio State’s starter at quarterback in 2024. What’s not a question for head coach Ryan Day, though, is what he’s looking for out of that player.

Ball protection is obviously key for any quarterback as is an ability to read a defense and run the offense. Kelly wants to see his quarterback have a very specific trait this season, though, especially with new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly running the show.

“The first thing is we knew we needed a quarterback who could run. At least have the ability to run, pull the ball,” Day said at Big Ten Media Days, according to On3. “That was something that we felt like we needed to do. When you combine that with Chip’s history of always having a quarterback that can do that, that was that was the right fit for where we’re at.”

That makes Kansas State senior transfer Will Howard a prohibitive favorite heading into fall camp. Not only did he throw for 2,643 yards and 24 touchdowns last season, but he also rushed for 351 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground.

Throw in the fact that he’s got plenty of experience from four seasons at K-State, and that should give him the edge over junior Devin Brown (a former five-star recruit who also can run), sophomore Lincoln Kienholz and freshmen Julian Sayin and Aiur Noland.

That athleticism is going to be key, but whether it’s Howard, Brown or anyone else, they’re still going to have to play the quarterback position.

“Now he (Kelly) also has not always just run the quarterback in the ground, like that’s not what I’m talking about. Not talking about quarterback power every play, but having the threat of that,” Day explained.

Ultimately though, Day is trying to meld together some of what he did in Justin Fields’ heyday with Kelly’s style of offensive play calling.

“When you think about what Justin did, those type of things here. So we have a background in that as well, but I feel like Chip can bring us to the next level in terms of that and it’s exciting,” Day said.