That’s a significant step for Eli Brickhandler and a proud moment for HBCU football. Transferring from North Carolina A\&T to join the reigning national champion Ohio State Buckeyes is a testament to his talent and determination. While he’ll be competing in a crowded quarterback room with high-profile names like Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz, and Tavien St. Clair, Brickhandler brings valuable experience and a unique perspective from his time at the FCS level. If he can seize the opportunity and impress in camp, he could carve out a role or at least elevate his profile for future opportunities. It’s also a big win for visibility and respect for HBCU programs.
Eli Brickhandler’s journey to Ohio State is a story of perseverance, talent, and growth across multiple levels of football. A standout dual-threat quarterback at Pittsburg High School in California, Brickhandler earned all-league honors as a junior and senior, showcasing his ability to make plays through the air and on the ground with nearly 2,800 passing yards and over 800 rushing yards his senior year. He continued to develop his skills during a prep year at AHOP Christian Leadership Academy before starting his college career at North Carolina A\&T.
At A\&T, Brickhandler flashed his dual-threat potential during his redshirt freshman year in 2022, contributing 354 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and 176 rushing yards with two more scores. After a brief stint as a true freshman where he still found the end zone, he transferred to Houston Christian, where he gained further experience, playing in eight games and contributing over 800 total yards of offense.
Now, with his transfer to Ohio State, Brickhandler enters one of the most competitive quarterback rooms in the country. While the path to the starting job will be a steep climb with players like Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz, and Tavien St. Clair in the mix, Brickhandler’s background marked by grit, versatility, and steady developmentgives him a strong foundation to compete and potentially make his mark on one of college football’s biggest stages.
Ohio State’s national championship run was a defining moment for the program—powered by dominant performances throughout the expanded College Football Playoff. Their emphatic wins over Tennessee and Oregon, followed by a gritty victory over Texas and a championship-clinching win against Notre Dame, solidified their place atop the college football world with a 14-2 record.
While the Buckeyes did lose key contributors to the NFL and graduation, the roster remains stacked with blue-chip talent across the board. Adding a versatile quarterback like Eli Brickhandler only strengthens their depth at the game’s most important position. His experience, athleticism, and ability to make plays both in and out of the pocket will make him a valuable asset in a quarterback room that thrives on competition.
As Ohio State sets its sights on repeating as national champions, Brickhandler’s presence provides another dynamic option and underscores the program’s commitment to building a deep and adaptable roster capable of handling the demands of another title run.
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