Ohio State continues to plan for the future in its quarterback room through players like Tavien St. Clair and commit Brady Edmunds. But what comes after St. Clair and Edmunds? 

As Brady Edmunds takes his official visit to Columbus, Ohio State made one thing very clear: the Buckeyes still want him in this recruiting class. Despite recent speculation and Ohio State’s continued pursuit of another quarterback in the 2027 cycle, sources continue to indicate that the staff remains committed to Edmunds and values him as an important part of the class moving forward.

The recent quarterback movement on Ohio State’s recruiting board has raised questions among fans. Still, the Buckeyes’ interest in adding a second quarterback does not necessarily reflect their confidence in Edmunds. Instead, it is more about planning for the future and preparing for a potentially complicated quarterback room over the next several seasons.

Quarterback depth has become one of the most challenging positions to manage in college football. With the transfer portal creating opportunities for players to seek immediate playing time elsewhere, programs are constantly balancing current roster needs with future projections. Ohio State has traditionally preferred to have four scholarship quarterbacks in the room who it believes can eventually contribute at a high level. Maintaining that number has become increasingly difficult in the modern era.

One factor Ohio State must consider is the future of Julian Sayin. While Sayin is viewed as a highly talented player and a potential NFL prospect, there is no guarantee he leaves after his second season as a starter. The upcoming NFL Draft classes are expected to feature significant quarterback talent, and if Sayin feels another year in Columbus would improve his draft stock, returning for a third season could be a realistic possibility.

If that scenario were to unfold, it would create a ripple effect throughout the quarterback room. Most notably, it could place pressure on Tavien St. Clair, who remains one of the most highly regarded young quarterbacks in the program. Like many talented players around the country, St. Clair will want an opportunity to compete for and eventually earn the starting job. A delayed path to the field could make him a candidate to explore other opportunities, even if Ohio State would prefer to keep him in Columbus.

That uncertainty is why Ohio State continues evaluating quarterback options in the 2027 class. Rather than scrambling to fill a future need through the transfer portal, the Buckeyes would prefer to develop their own talent and maintain stability at the position. Finding experienced transfer quarterbacks willing to come in and serve as backups has become increasingly difficult, especially when many players have opportunities to start elsewhere.

For that reason, adding a second quarterback to the 2027 class makes sense from a roster management standpoint. It provides additional depth, creates competition within the room, and helps Ohio State protect itself against the inevitable movement that occurs in today’s college football landscape.

Ohio State’s message to Edmunds was straightforward, and he is mulling over remaining committed. The Buckeyes still view him as a key piece of the 2027 class, but they also have a responsibility to manage the quarterback room several years into the future. In today’s college football landscape, recruiting is no longer just about signing the best players. It’s about anticipating roster changes before they happen, and Ohio State is working to do exactly that.

NEXT: Read Why Tavien St. Clair is the Most Important Backup in College Football