5 Ohio State stars who won’t be back and their replacements for 2023
By John Buhler
C.J. Stroud. 1. player. Scouting Report. QB. Ohio State Buckeyes. 812. Pick Analysis
C.J. Stroud will be coming off the board in the top five as a franchise quarterback
Along with figuring out how to replace both bookend tackles in Paris Johnson Jr. and Dawand Jones, the most pressing issue Ohio State has to navigate this offseason is who will be the Buckeyes starting quarterback? C.J. Stroud will be a top-five pick this year, as he is one of two true franchise quarterbacks entering the 2023 NFL Draft, along with Alabama’s superstar Bryce Young.
Ohio State has had a tremendous run of quarterbacks of late, but there are no guarantees Stroud’s successor will be anywhere as prolific through the air as he was. You are not only talking about an elite arm talent turning pro, but a tremendous leader departing for the NFL as well. Stroud has the chance to be a franchise cornerstone for a decade-plus, make Pro Bowls and win championships.
However, if there is any school that can replace one star quarterback with another, it is Ohio State.
Ohio State replacement for C.J. Stroud: Kyle McCord
Stroud’s successor was a tad murkier this time a year ago. Quinn Ewers and Jack Miller III had not yet transferred to Florida and Texas, respectively. Factor in Dylan Raiola de-committing from Ohio State recently, that probably indicates this is Kyle McCord’s job to lose. The former five-star from Philadelphia may have what it takes to keep the good vibes going on in Columbus at quarterback.
How McCord performs in spring practice will be indicative of if Ohio State can win a national title.
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