It’s coming. Not imminently, but sometime between now and National Signing Day, 4-star Huntington Beach quarterback commit Brady Edmunds is going to let Ryan Day and the Ohio State Buckeyes down with a flip.
Edmunds recently admitted that he’s still courting something that could convince him to de-commit from the Buckeyes. He’s given the Northwestern Wildcats and home-region UCLA Bruins a chance to court him away; he just hasn’t been convinced yet.
“As of now, I don’t know, because I haven’t been shown it,” Edmunds said when asked what’d draw him away from Ohio State. “That’s the hard part about it. I’ve just been so Ohio State all my life; it would be hard for another team to overturn it. But we’ll see.
“(UCLA and Northwestern are) kind of preaching to play early and this and that. Ultimately, I don’t know where it’s going to go as of now. College football is changing day by day. Just being able to hold on to some of those (offers) until the final decision comes. But as of now it’s Ohio State.”
Edmunds previously hinted at an exit earlier this May, saying, “I love Ohio State and can definitely still see myself there. I do think it’s smart to protect myself, though, and stay out in front of this.” It’s unclear what he’d be protecting himself against. Perhaps he sees the writing on the wall in the QB room next year and beyond, though.
Tavien St. Clair will be Ohio State’s QB for at least two years
Julian Sayin will get his two years as the team’s QB1. Barring a major breakout season for St. Clair in 2027, he’d most likely stay in CBus for a fourth campaign in 2028. Edmunds may not have the time to wait. He may be protecting his collegiate eligibility.
Edmunds’ future could be determined by whatever Congress offers up to “save” college sports. There have been proposals aimed at keeping eligibility at five years for every player, but nothing has been solidified. Courts will be challenging practically anything that curtails earning potential for players.
If things continue to run as they have been, Edmunds could still be against waiting until his third year to play meaningful snaps for the Buckeyes. Earning big money sitting on the bench is nice, but some have too competitive of a drive to sit out for extended periods. Especially when there are bigger paychecks to be the featured guy elsewhere.
Perhaps Edmunds hasn’t been shown the money yet by anyone else. There’s definitely not much proof of concept at UCLA, which has Bob Chesney in his first year, coming from the James Madison Dukes. Chip Kelly hasn’t yet integrated his offense at Northwestern. Maybe the 2026 season will be what convinces Edmunds. From either team. The Wildcats will travel to the “Shoe” in November to try to make a convincing case.
Edmunds’ next move is unclear. It just feels like he’s looking for a reason not to wear Scarlet and Gray, which means he probably won’t.
