The State of the Backup Quarterback at OSU

Mike Gundy and Co. were probably hoping to have the backup quarterback position a little bit more solidified following spring practice. But after what was a forgettable performance by John Kolar and a fairly solid day from Taylor Cornelius on Saturday, the situation behind Mason Rudolph seems more muddled than before spring practice began.

Of the two spring contenders for QB2 in Cornelius and Kolar, the walk-on Cornelius stood out from the two Saturday with 192 yards passings and 2 touchdowns on 9-of-14 passing. Kolar had an abysmal day, on the other hand, completing 1-of-8 passing and a baffling interception that went straight to true freshman Madre Harper with no one in the area.

But Mike Gundy is still mum on naming a backup.

“We really haven’t decided,” Gundy told the O’Colly about naming the No. 2 quarterback. And after a month of seeing both Kolar and Cornelius, he plans on waiting to name the backup after the first week in August.

Part of the reasoning, I’m sure, is to see if Kolar or Cornelius can separate themselves in the summer and into the fall.

But another reason – one that I believe is the more legitimate reason – is to see what the newbies Keondre Wudtee and Nyc Burns can bring to the table when they arrive on campus.

Admittedly, it would be a tall task to ask a true freshman to come in and prepare to be a backup to Mason Rudolph.

But Gundy told Wudtee’s coach that scenario could in fact come to fruition.

Given the current state of the backup quarterback after this spring, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a wide open competition this summer behind Rudolph. Since Cornelius and Kolar have yet to clinch the No. 2 spot, don’t be surprised to see both Wudtee and Burns get a crack at the job.