David McComb’s journey to the starting quarterback job for the RedHawks

For redshirt-freshman quarterback David McComb, the opportunity to play college football has been something he has dreamed about since he was a kid. Earlier this season, the young quarterback got the chance to prove himself at Miami University.

McComb was impressive through his first four games with the RedHawks before suffering a season-ending injury in week four against the University of Connecticut. He threw for 1,121 yards, seven touchdowns and only one interception in his four games. The numbers helped Miami achieve a 2-2 record heading into conference play.

After beginning his college career at the University of Kansas, McComb entered the transfer portal without any collegiate game film for coaches to evaluate. However, McComb knew exactly what he wanted from his next school: an opportunity to compete.

“I wanted to be able to go somewhere where they believed in me and coaches believed in me,” McComb explained. “And that’s what I felt here.”

Coaches did not know how to evaluate McComb out of Kansas. Miami offensive coordinator Gus Ragland said they sought interest in McComb through a video posted online.

“We saw about a one-minute video on Twitter of him throwing,” Ragland said. “I loved the way he threw.”

From there, Miami relied on coaches it trusted at Kansas who spoke highly of McComb. During one of their first phone conversations, McComb told the coaching staff that he was looking for a real chance to compete for a starting position.

“A lot of kids were attracted to bigger schools, even though they’re going there to be backups,” Ragland said. “This was a kid that in the first conversation told me, ‘I want to go somewhere where I have an opportunity to be the starting quarterback.’”

The recruiting process moved quickly after that. Ragland said it was only around 24 hours before McComb decided to commit to Miami.

“Every rep he gets, every game he plays, he gets better because he’s so young,” Ragland said. “He’s only played [four] college football games.”

The biggest areas of improvement hadn’t necessarily been about throwing the football. Instead, McComb had to learn the smaller details of playing quarterback, including timing, footwork and where his eyes need to be during each play.

“He’s getting hit and reacting to things and learning how important timing is, learning how important footwork is,” Ragland said. “His learning curve is accelerating at such a rapid pace.”

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McComb’s opportunity grew after redshirt-sophomore quarterback Thomas Gotkowski, who was also competing for the starting position, suffered an injury during fall camp. McComb was then thrust into the starting quarterback position.

Miami suffered multiple tough losses early in the season. The University of Pittsburgh dominated in week one with a 59-14 victory over the RedHawks. Two weeks later, the University of Cincinnati claimed the Victory Bell after a 35-31 win that came down to the last few drives. McComb explained how the team needed to continue improving.

“I just want to win more games,” McComb said. “It’s frustrating losing two games like that, getting blown out and then losing a close one. So, we’ve got to keep getting better and win more games.”

Away from football, McComb credits his parents as one of his biggest sources of motivation.

“They inspire me every day,” McComb said. “They work super hard and always supported my dreams and got me to this point.”

His personality away from the field contrasts with the intensity of playing quarterback. Before games, while some players try to get themselves as energized as possible, McComb prefers staying relaxed.

“I just kind of like to chill out, listen to chill music. I don’t like to get too hyped up,” McComb said.

His usual choice of music is Zach Bryan, including songs including “Someday” or “Highway Boys.”

Adjusting to a new team at the Division I level and being far from home is a difficult transition. From a backup player at Kansas, to a leading weapon in the offense for the Redhawks, David McComb had an amazing first few games for the RedHawks. With his hopeful return for the 2027 season, McComb has proved he can be a key factor for Miami football success.

“We are down two quarterbacks, that’s not changing for the rest of the season,” head coach Chuck Martin said in a press conference earlier this week. “We [have to] win with the group we have.”

For the remainder of the 2026 campaign, the RedHawks will turn to senior quarterback Caleb Heavner to lead Miami under center.

vazquea6@miamioh.edu