Breaking Down the Future of Big Ten Quarterbacks: A Deep Dive into Ohio State’s Tavien St. Clair and Michigan’s Bryce Underwood as the Next Generation of College Football Stars
The rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan is one of college football’s most storied traditions, and the battle on the field is often paralleled by fierce competition on the recruiting trail. Quarterbacks play an outsized role in shaping a program’s success, and in the case of these two Big Ten powerhouses, the spotlight is now shining on Tavien St. Clair, an Ohio State commit, and Bryce Underwood, a highly touted prospect heavily linked to Michigan.
As the programs prepare for the future, both players have emerged as potential game-changers, not just for their respective teams but for the trajectory of the Big Ten itself. Let’s dive into an in-depth comparison of these two young phenoms, exploring their skill sets, potential impacts, and what their recruitments mean for the future of Ohio State, Michigan, and the conference as a whole.
Tavien St. Clair: Ohio State’s Crown Jewel in the 2025 Class
Tavien St. Clair, a 6’4”, 215-pound quarterback from Bellefontaine, Ohio, has quickly risen through the ranks to establish himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 class. St. Clair committed to Ohio State in June 2023, selecting the Buckeyes over other prominent programs such as Michigan, Penn State, and Alabama. His commitment represents a crucial win for Ohio State, which has consistently been a quarterback factory under head coach Ryan Day.
Skill Set and Playing Style
St. Clair is the prototypical modern quarterback, blending size, arm strength, and mobility in a way that perfectly suits Ohio State’s high-octane offense. His mechanics are polished, and his quick release allows him to excel in tight windows. In the pocket, he displays poise beyond his years, often stepping up under pressure to deliver accurate throws.
What sets St. Clair apart is his football IQ. He has a knack for reading defenses pre-snap, often adjusting protections or audibles to exploit mismatches. His mobility is another underrated aspect of his game—while he’s not a run-first quarterback, his ability to extend plays outside the pocket makes him a dual-threat in key situations.
Impact at Ohio State
Ohio State’s recent history with quarterbacks like Justin Fields, C.J. Stroud, and now Kyle McCord highlights the program’s ability to develop elite talent at the position. St. Clair fits perfectly into this lineage. With a loaded wide receiver room and an offensive scheme that emphasizes explosive plays, St. Clair has the potential to elevate Ohio State’s offense to new heights.
However, the challenge for St. Clair will be the competition in Columbus. Ohio State consistently recruits top-tier quarterbacks, and earning the starting job will require him to fend off other elite recruits. If he can rise to the occasion, he has the tools to become the next great Ohio State quarterback and perhaps even a Heisman contender.
Bryce Underwood: The Rising Star Tied to Michigan
Bryce Underwood, widely regarded as the top quarterback in the 2025 recruiting class, is a 6’3”, 210-pound phenom from Belleville, Michigan. Underwood is being pursued by virtually every major program in the country, but Michigan appears to be the frontrunner. His recruitment has become a focal point for head coach Jim Harbaugh, who is eager to solidify Michigan’s future at the quarterback position.
Skill Set and Playing Style
Underwood is an athletic marvel. With elite arm strength, precision accuracy, and the ability to make plays with his legs, he is as close to a can’t-miss prospect as you’ll find in high school football. His deep ball is one of his most impressive attributes—he consistently delivers strikes 40–50 yards downfield with ease.
What makes Underwood truly special is his improvisational ability. When plays break down, he excels at creating something out of nothing, whether it’s finding a receiver on the scramble drill or taking off for a big gain himself. His leadership qualities also stand out; teammates and coaches alike praise his ability to command an offense and inspire those around him.
Impact at Michigan
Landing Underwood would be a game-changer for Michigan. The Wolverines have been highly successful under Jim Harbaugh in recent years, but their offensive identity has often leaned on a dominant run game and stout defense. A player of Underwood’s caliber could reshape Michigan’s approach, giving the program a more balanced and explosive attack.
With Michigan’s success in the transfer portal and its strong offensive line play, Underwood would be stepping into an ideal situation. Pairing his dynamic skill set with Michigan’s burgeoning receiver talent could make the Wolverines a perennial playoff contender.
Recruitment and Rivalry Implications
The recruitment of St. Clair and Underwood underscores the ongoing arms race between Ohio State and Michigan. Both programs understand the value of an elite quarterback in the modern game, and securing these players has implications that extend far beyond the field.
What Tavien St. Clair Means for Ohio State
Ohio State’s ability to land St. Clair reflects the program’s continued dominance in quarterback recruiting. The Buckeyes have built a reputation as a destination for NFL-caliber QBs, and St. Clair’s commitment ensures that the pipeline remains strong. More importantly, his Ohio roots reinforce Ohio State’s stranglehold on in-state recruiting, preventing Michigan or other Big Ten rivals from poaching top local talent.
What Bryce Underwood Could Bring to Michigan
For Michigan, Underwood represents an opportunity to shift the narrative. While the Wolverines have enjoyed tremendous success under Harbaugh, they’ve struggled to develop quarterbacks who can match the firepower of Ohio State’s signal-callers. Landing Underwood would send a message that Michigan is no longer content to play second fiddle in the quarterback arms race.
Big Ten Landscape
Both players also have the potential to reshape the competitive balance of the Big Ten. With USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington joining the conference in 2024, the league is becoming more competitive than ever. Having elite quarterbacks like St. Clair and Underwood will be crucial for Ohio State and Michigan as they battle not only each other but also a deep pool of contenders.
Final Thoughts: The Next Chapter in a Historic Rivalry
The comparisons between Tavien St. Clair and Bryce Underwood will only intensify as they progress through their high school careers and eventually take the field for Ohio State and Michigan. Both players possess the talent and intangibles to become generational quarterbacks, and their rivalry has the potential to define the next era of Big Ten football.
For fans of the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry, the arrival of St. Clair and Underwood is a tantalizing prospect. These two quarterbacks are poised to add another layer to one of the greatest rivalries in sports, ensuring that the battle between the Buckeyes and Wolverines remains must-see television for years to come.
