A former HBCU quarterback is now part of the reigning national champion Ohio State Buckeyes. Top star, who previously played for North Carolina A\&T, announced on X that he’s joining the Buckeyes. He’ll compete for playing time at quarterback alongside Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz, and Tavien St. Clair. Though it’s a crowded room, he has a chance to rise through the ranks and prove himself on college football’s biggest stage.
Before college, top star stood out at Pittsburg High School in California and spent a postgraduate year at AHOP Christian Leadership Academy. He earned all-league recognition as both a junior and senior, throwing for nearly 2,800 yards and rushing for more than 800 yards his senior year.
He started his college career at North Carolina A\&T, appearing in seven games as a redshirt freshman in 2022. That year, he completed 28 of 56 passes for 354 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 176 yards and two more scores on 43 carries. As a true freshman, he made two appearances and threw one touchdown pass. After transferring to Houston Christian for the 2024 season, Brickhandler played in eight games, throwing for 557 yards and four touchdowns, while adding 264 rushing yards on 63 carries.
Ohio State is coming off a dominant season that ended with a national championship and a 14-2 record. The Buckeyes thrived in the expanded College Football Playoff, cruising past Tennessee and Oregon, then defeating Texas and edging out Notre Dame in the title game. Despite some roster losses, they’re still projected to be a powerhouse and a top contender in the college football landscape.
Eli Brickhandler’s addition brings even more depth and talent to a team aiming to defend its crown and repeat as national champions.