Ohio State was facing a dire situation at quarterback. Incumbent starter Dwayne Haskins declared for the NFL draft and Tathan Martell transferred to the University of Miami. While all this was going on, Justin Fields, the prized transfer QB from Georgia, was waiting to find out whether or not he would be eligible immediately. If he wasn’t granted eligibility, the Buckeyes would have been down to essentially one QB; Not a great way to go into year one of the Ryan Day Era.
Those concerns were alleviated when the NCAA announced that Fields would be eligible for the 2019-2020 season. Ryan Day has his quarterback. Fields was the second-best prospect in the nation in 2018, behind national champion Trevor Lawrence of Clemson.
Fields saw limited action backing up Jake Fromm. As a passer, Fields completed 27 of 39 passes for 328 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions. He also ran 42 times for 266 yards and four touchdowns.
As a Buckeye
Ohio State brings back a championship-caliber offense yet again in 2019. Fields not only solidifies that, he brings an extra dimension. Dwayne Haskins was never known for his ability to run (unless you’re Stephen A. Smith). JT Barrett was a serviceable runner. The Buckeyes haven’t had a QB who can break open games on the ground since Braxton Miller. Fields should bring that back to the offense.
His immediate eligibility gives another weapon to an Ohio State offense that features an embarrassment of riches. JK Dobbins and KJ Hill are back. Austin Mack is still around. There’s a boat load of talent ready to step up at the skill positions. This news should invigorate a team that’s ready to step right back in to the national title conversation.
What This Means
Urban Meyer is out. Ryan Day is in. Anyone looking for Ohio State to falter is going to have to look further. Fields is going to thrive in this offense. The Buckeyes still have the most talented team in the conference. They’ve still got the best coaching staff in the conference. They’ve now got a game-breaking QB that can do it all. This team is still poised to be a favorite for, not only the Big Ten crown, but a spot in the College Football Playoff.