When it comes to college football, few programs have produced as many talented quarterbacks as Ohio State. From the days of Archie Griffin to the present day, the Buckeyes have had a long line of great signal-callers. But who is the best Ohio State quarterback of all time?
There is no easy answer to that question, as there are many great candidates to choose from. However, if we look at the statistics, there is one player who stands above the rest: Dwayne Haskins. In his one season as the Buckeyes' starting quarterback, Haskins threw for 4,831 yards and 50 touchdowns, leading Ohio State to a Big Ten Championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff. He also set several school records, including most passing yards in a season and most touchdown passes in a season.
Haskins's success was not just limited to the statistical realm. He was also a dynamic playmaker who could make plays with his arm and his legs. He was a threat to score every time he touched the ball, and he made the Buckeyes' offense one of the most feared in the country.
Of course, Haskins is not the only great quarterback in Ohio State history. Archie Griffin won the Heisman Trophy twice, and Troy Smith led the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2006. But Haskins's combination of size, arm strength, and athleticism sets him apart from the rest. He is the complete package, and he is the best Ohio State quarterback of all time.
Best Ohio State QB
The Ohio State Buckeyes have a long and storied history of producing great quarterbacks. From the days of Archie Griffin to the present day, the Buckeyes have had a long line of signal-callers who have led the team to success. But who is the best Ohio State quarterback of all time? There is no easy answer to that question, but there are six key aspects that can be used to evaluate the candidates:
- Passing yards
- Touchdown passes
- Completion percentage
- Interception percentage
- Wins
- Championships
When these factors are taken into account, there is one player who stands above the rest: Dwayne Haskins. In his one season as the Buckeyes' starting quarterback, Haskins threw for 4,831 yards and 50 touchdowns, leading Ohio State to a Big Ten Championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff. He also set several school records, including most passing yards in a season and most touchdown passes in a season.
Haskins's success was not just limited to the statistical realm. He was also a dynamic playmaker who could make plays with his arm and his legs. He was a threat to score every time he touched the ball, and he made the Buckeyes' offense one of the most feared in the country.
Of course, Haskins is not the only great quarterback in Ohio State history. Archie Griffin won the Heisman Trophy twice, and Troy Smith led the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2006. But Haskins's combination of size, arm strength, and athleticism sets him apart from the rest. He is the complete package, and he is the best Ohio State quarterback of all time.
| Name | Years Active | Passing Yards | Touchdown Passes | Wins | Championships |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dwayne Haskins | 2018-2019 | 4,831 | 50 | 13 | 1 Big Ten Championship |
| Archie Griffin | 1972-1975 | 3,298 | 35 | 31 | 2 Heisman Trophies |
| Troy Smith | 2004-2006 | 4,856 | 54 | 31 | 1 National Championship |
Passing Yards
When evaluating the best Ohio State quarterback of all time, passing yards is one of the most important factors to consider. The ability to consistently move the ball through the air is essential for any successful quarterback, and it is a key indicator of overall performance.
- Total Passing Yards
The total number of passing yards a quarterback accumulates over their career is a good measure of their overall productivity. Dwayne Haskins holds the Ohio State record for most passing yards in a single season, with 4,831 yards in 2018. Troy Smith is the Buckeyes' all-time leader in career passing yards, with 8,327 yards from 2004 to 2006.
- Yards Per Attempt
Yards per attempt is a measure of a quarterback's efficiency. It is calculated by dividing a quarterback's total passing yards by the number of attempts. Dwayne Haskins also holds the Ohio State record for most passing yards per attempt in a single season, with 10.9 yards per attempt in 2018.
- Yards Per Game
Yards per game is another measure of a quarterback's efficiency. It is calculated by dividing a quarterback's total passing yards by the number of games played. Dwayne Haskins holds the Ohio State record for most passing yards per game in a single season, with 337.9 yards per game in 2018.
- Touchdown-to-Interception Ratio
The touchdown-to-interception ratio is a measure of a quarterback's ability to protect the football. It is calculated by dividing a quarterback's total touchdown passes by their total interceptions. Dwayne Haskins had a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 2.6 in 2018, which is the highest single-season ratio in Ohio State history.
Passing yards is a key factor in determining the best Ohio State quarterback of all time. Quarterbacks who can consistently move the ball through the air and score touchdowns are essential for success. Dwayne Haskins, Troy Smith, and Justin Fields are all great examples of quarterbacks who have excelled in this area.
Touchdown Passes
In American football, a touchdown is scored when a player carries or catches the ball into the end zone, or recovers the ball in the end zone after a fumble or interception. Touchdown passes are one of the most important statistics used to evaluate quarterbacks, as they are a direct measure of a quarterback's ability to put the ball in the hands of his receivers in the end zone.
Touchdown passes are a key component of being the best Ohio State quarterback of all time. Quarterbacks who can consistently throw touchdown passes are essential for success, as they give their team the best chance of scoring points and winning games. Dwayne Haskins, Troy Smith, and Justin Fields are all great examples of quarterbacks who have excelled in this area.
There are a number of factors that contribute to a quarterback's ability to throw touchdown passes. These include arm strength, accuracy, decision-making, and chemistry with receivers. Quarterbacks who have a strong arm can make all the throws necessary to succeed in the modern game, including deep passes down the field and touch passes over the middle. Accuracy is also essential, as quarterbacks need to be able to put the ball in the right place for their receivers to catch it. Decision-making is also important, as quarterbacks need to be able to make quick decisions under pressure and choose the right receivers to throw to. Finally, chemistry with receivers is essential, as quarterbacks need to be able to develop a rapport with their receivers in order to be successful.
Touchdown passes are a key factor in determining the best Ohio State quarterback of all time. Quarterbacks who can consistently throw touchdown passes are essential for success. Dwayne Haskins, Troy Smith, and Justin Fields are all great examples of quarterbacks who have excelled in this area.Completion percentage
Completion percentage is a measure of a quarterback's accuracy. It is calculated by dividing the number of completed passes by the number of attempted passes. A high completion percentage indicates that a quarterback is able to consistently put the ball in the hands of his receivers, which is essential for success in the modern game.
There are a number of factors that contribute to a quarterback's completion percentage. These include arm strength, accuracy, decision-making, and chemistry with receivers. Quarterbacks with a strong arm can make all the throws necessary to succeed in the modern game, including deep passes down the field and touch passes over the middle. Accuracy is also essential, as quarterbacks need to be able to put the ball in the right place for their receivers to catch it. Decision-making is also important, as quarterbacks need to be able to make quick decisions under pressure and choose the right receivers to throw to. Finally, chemistry with receivers is essential, as quarterbacks need to be able to develop a rapport with their receivers in order to be successful.
Completion percentage is a key factor in determining the best Ohio State quarterback of all time. Quarterbacks who have a high completion percentage are more likely to be successful, as they are able to consistently put the ball in the hands of their receivers. Dwayne Haskins, Troy Smith, and Justin Fields are all great examples of quarterbacks who have excelled in this area.
Interception percentage
Interception percentage is a measure of a quarterback's ability to protect the football. It is calculated by dividing the number of interceptions thrown by the number of pass attempts. A low interception percentage indicates that a quarterback is able to consistently make good decisions and avoid throwing the ball into dangerous areas.
- Turnovers
Interceptions are turnovers, which means that they give the opposing team possession of the ball. Turnovers can be costly, as they can lead to the other team scoring points or getting into field goal range. Quarterbacks who have a low interception percentage are less likely to turn the ball over, which gives their team a better chance of winning.
- Field position
Interceptions can also lead to poor field position for the offense. If a quarterback throws an interception deep in their own territory, it can give the opposing team a short field to work with. This can make it difficult for the defense to stop the other team from scoring.
- Momentum
Interceptions can also have a negative impact on a team's momentum. If a quarterback throws an interception, it can give the opposing team a boost of confidence and make it difficult for the offense to get back on track.
- Game management
Quarterbacks who have a low interception percentage are often good at game management. They are able to make good decisions under pressure and avoid taking unnecessary risks. This can help their team win close games and avoid costly mistakes.
Interception percentage is a key factor in determining the best Ohio State quarterback of all time. Quarterbacks who have a low interception percentage are more likely to be successful, as they are able to protect the football and avoid turnovers.
Wins
When evaluating the best Ohio State quarterback of all time, wins is one of the most important factors to consider. After all, the ultimate goal of any quarterback is to lead their team to victory. Quarterbacks who have a high winning percentage have shown that they can consistently make the plays necessary to win games, even in difficult situations.
- Leadership
Winning quarterbacks are often great leaders. They are able to motivate their teammates and get them to perform at a high level. They are also able to make good decisions under pressure and lead their team to victory in close games.
- Clutch Performances
Winning quarterbacks are often able to come up with big plays in clutch situations. They are able to make the throws and lead the drives that are necessary to win games. They are also able to keep their composure under pressure and make the right decisions.
- Game Management
Winning quarterbacks are often good at game management. They are able to control the tempo of the game and make the right decisions in key situations. They are also able to avoid turnovers and mistakes that can cost their team the game.
- Team Success
Winning quarterbacks are often surrounded by talented teammates. However, they are also able to elevate the play of those around them. They are able to make the players around them better and help the team achieve success.
Wins is a key factor in determining the best Ohio State quarterback of all time. Quarterbacks who have a high winning percentage have shown that they can consistently lead their team to victory. Dwayne Haskins, Troy Smith, and Justin Fields are all great examples of quarterbacks who have excelled in this area.
Championships
In the world of college football, championships are the ultimate measure of success. For Ohio State, one of the most successful programs in the country, winning championships is a tradition. The Buckeyes have won eight national championships, more than any other team in the Big Ten Conference. And while many great quarterbacks have played for Ohio State, only a few have led the team to a championship.
So what is the connection between championships and the best Ohio State quarterback? Is winning a championship the ultimate measure of a quarterback's success? Or are there other factors that should be considered?
There is no doubt that winning a championship is a major accomplishment for any quarterback. It means that they have led their team to the pinnacle of success. But it is important to remember that championships are not won by quarterbacks alone. They are won by a team effort. A great quarterback can certainly make a difference, but they need to have a talented supporting cast around them.
So while winning a championship is a great accomplishment, it is not the only measure of a quarterback's success. There are many other factors that should be considered, such as their passing yards, touchdowns, completion percentage, and interception percentage. Ultimately, the best Ohio State quarterback of all time is the one who has the most success on the field, both individually and as a team.
FAQs about the Best Ohio State QB
Who is the best Ohio State quarterback of all time? It's a question that has been debated by Buckeye fans for years. There are many great candidates to choose from, but some of the most common contenders include Dwayne Haskins, Troy Smith, and Justin Fields. Each of these quarterbacks has had a great deal of success on the field, but who is the best? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the best Ohio State quarterback of all time:
Question 1: Who has the best passing stats?
Answer: Dwayne Haskins holds the Ohio State record for most passing yards in a single season, with 4,831 yards in 2018. Troy Smith is the Buckeyes' all-time leader in career passing yards, with 8,327 yards from 2004 to 2006.
Question 2: Who has won the most championships?
Answer: Troy Smith led the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2006.
Question 3: Who has the best NFL career?
Answer: Justin Fields is the only quarterback on this list who is still playing in the NFL. He has had a successful career so far, and he has the potential to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
Question 4: Who is the most popular quarterback among Ohio State fans?
Answer: Based on jersey sales and social media following, Justin Fields is the most popular quarterback among Ohio State fans.
Question 5: Who is the best quarterback in Ohio State history?
Answer: There is no easy answer to this question, as there are many great candidates to choose from. However, based on the factors discussed above, Dwayne Haskins, Troy Smith, and Justin Fields are the three quarterbacks who have the strongest case for being considered the best Ohio State quarterback of all time.
Ultimately, the best Ohio State quarterback of all time is a matter of opinion. There are many great candidates to choose from, and each quarterback has their own unique strengths and weaknesses. However, the three quarterbacks who have the strongest case for being considered the best are Dwayne Haskins, Troy Smith, and Justin Fields.
Related topic: The Ohio State Football Program
Conclusion
The debate over who is the best Ohio State quarterback of all time is likely to continue for many years to come. There are many great candidates to choose from, and each quarterback has their own unique strengths and weaknesses.
However, based on the factors discussed in this article, Dwayne Haskins, Troy Smith, and Justin Fields are the three quarterbacks who have the strongest case for being considered the best. All three quarterbacks have had great success on the field, both individually and as a team. They have also all led the Buckeyes to victory in some of the biggest games in program history.
Ultimately, the best Ohio State quarterback of all time is a matter of opinion. However, there is no doubt that Haskins, Smith, and Fields are three of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play for the Buckeyes.
