Earlier today, the football community was saddened and stunned due to the tragic loss of former Ohio State, Washington, and Pittsburgh quarterback Dwayne Haskins.
Haskins, reportedly involved in a highway accident in which he was hit by a car after suffering mechanical issues, passed away at the age of 24.
The legacy that Haskins leaves on the Ohio State football program is unmatched. Previously to Haskins’ arrival, the Buckeyes used dual-threat quarterbacks such as Terrelle Pryor, Braxton Miller, and J.T. Barrett. Haskins numbers in 2018 reflect his unique (at the time) passing ability and was a marvel in the Big Ten, when he passed for 4,831 yards (1,126 more than the next highest passer, David Blough).
RIP Dwayne Haskins. An amazing CFB QB at OSU. Gone too soon. pic.twitter.com/yM2M8HOIaO
— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) April 9, 2022
Haskins was a Heisman finalist, the 2019 Rose Bowl MVP, and set the all-time Big Ten single season passing yards record. His performance at Ohio State under then-offensive coordinator Ryan Day changed the Buckeyes from a ground and pound attack into a true spread offense led by a quarterback who uses his arm more than his legs.
Justin Fields-like Haskins- was also a Heisman finalist for the Buckeyes before becoming a first-round NFL Draft choice. CJ Stroud, in his lone season thus far as the Ohio State starter, threw for a whopping 44 touchdowns in 2021, while rushing for an incredible -20 (yes, negative twenty) yards.
The Buckeyes have been successful as a unit since Haskins’ 2018 season, finishing 2nd, 4th, 7th, and 1st in total offense in the four seasons.
Haskins’ legacy looks to be the new mold for an Ohio State quarterback room that features Kyle McCord and Devin Brown backing up Stroud representing the future of Buckeye football.
