One of Ohio State football's all-time greats had a promising outlook on Buckeyes quarterback Tavien St. Clair.
On an episode of his "Fully Loaded" podcast on July 13, NFL Hall of Famer and former Ohio State
wide receiver Cris Carter compared St. Clair to three-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes.
"Great looking kid. Like, he looks like a version of Patrick Mahomes," Carter told his co-host. "Really good athlete. Can be a dual threat, is more of a pocket passer. Had a great spring. Good-looking prospect."
Could Tavien St. Clair be Ohio State's next star quarterback? Everything points in that direction. He's an outstanding athlete. Can extend plays. Has the ability to run. But wins first as a passer. That's the difference. The best college quarterbacks don't just rely on their legs pic.twitter.com/4qBIo9IJhz
— Fully Loaded The Podcast (@FullyLoaded_Pod) July 21, 2026
Carter referenced another QB, former Ohio State quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist Justin Fields, to compare and contrast with St. Clair.
"He's a better thrower than Justin Fields," Carter said. "He's not as good a runner as Justin Fields, but man, I don't want to see a guy running like Justin Fields was running because ultimately it hurts your growth and [development] as a passer, especially anticipating down the field. But great-looking athlete."
St. Clair was the fourth overall player, third overall quarterback and the top prospect from Ohio in the 2025 recruiting class, according to 247Sports. The two quarterbacks ahead of St. Clair were Michigan starting quarterback Bryce Underwood and Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell, who is currently competing for the starting job.
In his senior year for Bellafontaine, St. Clair threw for 2,536 yards at a 68% completion rate with 29 touchdowns and four interceptions. He also ran for 254 yards and nine touchdowns while averaging 7.5 yards per carry.
With St. Clair in line to back up Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin in the 2026 season, Carter said that the program "is in good hands." He also confidently stated that St. Clair is a future NFL quarterback.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: OSU legend sees Patrick Mahomes traits in Buckeyes QB Tavien St. Clair
