We are starting a new series here at Buckeyes Wire. We are ranking the top Ohio State players at each position over the past 10 years. This includes the 2013 season, but no one who ended their Ohio State career earlier than that.
Up first: quarterbacks. It was a difficult ranking to make because the Buckeyes have been blessed with many star quarterbacks in recent memory. In fact, the top five quarterbacks on this list were in the top five in Heisman voting at least once in their career at Ohio State.
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A case for any of these quarterbacks to be higher on the list can be made because everybody has different criteria. My criteria was to take into account what they accomplished with the team but focus primarily on the skills they brought to the table.
Now, let’s get to the list.
Honorable Mention – Cardale Jones
Jan. 12, 2015; Arlington, Texas; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Cardale Jones (12) in game action against the Oregon Ducks in the 2015 national championship game at AT&T Stadium. Ohio State won 42-20. Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Why the Mention
Years Played | 2013-2015
With so many star quarterbacks to come through Ohio State in recent memory, Cardale Jones doesn’t crack the top five, but he deserves a shoutout as an honorable mention.
After an injury to J.T. Barrett against Michigan in 2014, many wrote off the Buckeyes. Jones had other ideas. He stepped in and led the offense in what was the best three-game stretch in program history, culminating in a national championship.
No. 5 – Braxton Miller
Nov. 24, 2012; Columbus; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Braxton Miller (5) looks for an open receiver against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 26-21. Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
Why it Makes Sense
Years Played | 2011-2015
Braxton Miller was undoubtedly a superstar for Ohio State and favorite player of many who grew up watching him lead the Buckeyes.
He emerged as the starter in 2011 as a true freshman and brought excitement to what was a forgettable season. He proceeded to lose just two games over the next two seasons, earning the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year in both 2012 and 2013.
Miller was electric as a runner. He amassed 3,315 yards and 33 touchdowns on the ground over his career. He also deserves credit for being a leader and good teammate throughout his career, which he demonstrated when he switched to wide receiver in 2015 and provided many highlight plays.
No. 4 – J.T. Barrett
Quarterback J.T. Barrett #16 of the Ohio State Buckeyes throws a pass during the first quarter of the BattleFrog Fiesta Bowl against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at University of Phoenix Stadium on Jan. 1, 2016, in Glendale, Arizona. Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images
Why it Makes Sense
Years Played | 2014-2017
If this were a ranking purely just based on which quarterback had the most successful career at Ohio State, Barrett would have a strong case for the top spot.
He stepped in to lead the offense in the 2014 national championship campaign after Miller’s injury and was even a Heisman candidate before his season-ending injury in the Michigan game.
Barrett never lost to That School Up North in his career, going 4-0 as the starter in “The Game.” He led the Buckeyes to a College Football Playoff berth as the starter in 2016. The next season was his best statistically; he threw for 35 touchdowns and ran for 12 touchdowns. He led a memorable come-from victory over Penn State, won the Big Ten title and had a Cotton Bowl victory in 2017.
Ultimately Barrett’s skills aren’t quite equal to what the top three on this list provide, but his full body of work at Ohio State is very strong and he deserves to be remembered for what he accomplished with the team.
No. 3 – Dwayne Haskins
Jan. 1, 2019; Pasadena, California; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) makes a pass in the first quarter against the Washington Huskies in the 2019 Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl Stadium. Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Why it Makes Sense
Years Played | 2017-2018
Dwayne Haskins started just one season for Ohio State in his career, but his remarkable performance that season and his skills as a passer land him at No. 3.
Haskins stepped in during the Michigan game in 2017 when J.T. Barrett left with a knee injury and made some big throws to seal that victory.
In 2018, he was a Heisman finalist leading a prolific passing attack throwing for 4,831 yards and 50 touchdowns, while adding four touchdowns on the ground. His 54 total touchdowns is an all-time single-season record at Ohio State.
Ultimately, the Buckeyes’ defense was too inconsistent to make the playoff that season. However, they still finished 13-1 with a Rose Bowl victory and Haskins produced many memorable performances including six touchdowns in a 62-39 victory over Michigan.
No. 2 – C.J. Stroud
Nov. 5, 2022; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) warms up prior to the NCAA football game against the Northwestern Wildcats. Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch