Ohio State, NFL, College Teams Resolve Backup QB Roles Ahead Season

Several college and NFL teams are currently navigating quarterback battles and roster decisions for the 2025 season. Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day named Julian Sayin the starting quarterback, while Lincoln Keinholz remains prepared to play, demonstrating leadership despite losing the starting job. The Texas Longhorns are evaluating backups Matthew Caldwell, Trey Owens, and KJ Lacey to provide consistent backup support behind starter Arch Manning. In the NFL, the Cleveland Browns surprisingly named veteran Joe Flacco their starter despite having younger quarterbacks on the roster, a move seen as prioritizing evaluation of future talent over short-term success. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions face a tough decision on whether to keep three quarterbacks on the roster, balancing depth needs against other positions, with Kyle Allen currently winning the backup role over Hendon Hooker. These decisions reflect broader challenges teams face in managing quarterback depth, player development, and competitive strategy.