Quarterback
Starter: Justin Fields
Backup: C.J. Stroud
Justin Fields enjoyed a tremendous 2019 season after transferring from Georgia around this time last year. He ranked third in the nation in ESPN’s QB Rating at 92.2 and earned a third-place finish in Heisman Trophy voting. Fields will look to build toward a first round draft selection with a strong junior campaign in 2020.
The more interesting battle here is at backup. Ranked as the sixth and 24th best quarterbacks in the class of 2020, the Californian CJ Stroud and Jack Miller of Arizona will begin the battle to succeed Fields this summer and fall. Both are designated as pro-style quarterbacks — a telling sign for the future of the Ohio State offense under Ryan Day.
Stroud however is more athletic with faster 40 and shuttle times. This speed and agility advantage will allow Stroud to make more plays than Miller, giving him the edge in this first year of their competition.