Ohio State Eyes Depth with Eli Brickhandler Transfer

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio State football team solidified its quarterback position by acquiring Eli Brickhandler, a graduate transfer from Houston Christian, on Tuesday. This move brings the team’s total to four quarterbacks, alongside presumed starter Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz, and freshman Tavien St. Clair.

Brickhandler, originally from Stockton, California, began his collegiate career at North Carolina A&T before moving to Houston Christian for two seasons. Last year, he completed 38 of 77 passes for 557 yards, averaging 49.4%, and recorded four touchdowns through the air along with four rushing touchdowns. Despite those modest statistics, head coach Ryan Day sees value in adding Brickhandler’s experience to the roster.

Although the newly signed Brickhandler is a graduate transfer, he retains two years of eligibility. His acquisition is intended to add veteran depth to an otherwise inexperienced quarterback group as Ohio State gears up for the fall camp this summer. Last season, the three other quarterbacks combined for only 34 attempts and 15 completions, highlighting the need for seasoned leadership.

“Eli will be a crucial addition to our quarterback room, helping the younger players adapt to the demands of college football,” Day said in a statement. “His presence will allow us to run effective scout team practices, ensuring our defense faces challenging situations.”

As the college football landscape continues to evolve with the NCAA transfer portal, the Buckeyes are adjusting accordingly to maintain their competitive edge. With fall practice looming, the football community eagerly anticipates how this new addition will shape Ohio State’s approach heading into the 2025 season.

With fall camp only months away, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Brickhandler integrates into the team’s offensive strategy, as well as the intrasquad competition for the starting quarterback job.