Joe Burrow’s time at Ohio State is a fascinating case study of how college football has evolved over the years.

Joe Burrow’s time at Ohio State is a fascinating case study of how college football has evolved over the years.

 

The current Cincinnati Bengals quarterback has been open about his experiences as a Buckeye, and how things might have panned out differently in today’s era of college football.

 

Burrow’s journey to becoming a top NFL quarterback was far from straightforward. After being a top-300 four-star recruit from Athens, Ohio in the class of 2015, Burrow committed to Ohio State, where he spent three seasons as a backup quarterback ¹. He played in just 11 games over two seasons, completing 29-of-39 passes for 287 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

 

Despite his limited playing time, Burrow has spoken highly of his experience at Ohio State, crediting the program with helping him develop as a player and person ². However, he’s also acknowledged that he likely would have transferred to another school much earlier if the current transfer portal rules were in place at the time ¹.

 

In today’s era of college football, players have much more freedom to transfer and explore other opportunities. The transfer portal has become a game-changer, allowing players to switch schools without having to sit out a year. Burrow believes that if he had the same options available to him back then, his time at Ohio State might have looked very different ¹.

 

“I probably would have transferred much earlier than I did, but I had to graduate to go and play [somewhere else],” Burrow said in a recent interview. “At the time, the transfer portal wasn’t a thing. I think it became a thing the next year after I transferred, and I still think you had to sit out a year” ¹.

 

Burrow’s decision to transfer to LSU ultimately proved to be a turning point in his career. He went on to have a record-breaking season in 2019, throwing for 5,671 yards and 60 touchdowns, and leading the Tigers to a national championship ². He also won the Heisman Trophy that year, cementing his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the country.

 

Looking back, Burrow’s experience at Ohio State serves as a reminder of how much college football has evolved in recent years. The transfer portal has given players more control over their careers, and the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals has changed the way schools recruit and retain top talent.

 

As Burrow prepares for another season in the NFL, it’s clear that his time at Ohio State was just one chapter in his journey to becoming a top quarterback. While things might have looked different if he had the same options available to him back then, Burrow’s perseverance and determination ultimately paid off in the end.

 

*What’s Next for Joe Burrow?*

 

As Burrow enters his fifth season in the NFL, he’s expected to continue to be one of the top quarterbacks in the league. With his experience and talent, he’s poised to lead the Bengals to another successful season.

 

But beyond his on-field performance, Burrow’s story serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of college football. As the sport continues to change and adapt, it will be interesting to see how players like Burrow navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with being a top athlete.

 

In the end, Burrow’s experience at Ohio State is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. Despite facing challenges and setbacks along the way, he never gave up on his dreams, and ultimately achieved greatness as a result.