When the Toledo Rockets took the field on Tuesday in the Boca Raton Bowl against the Louisville Cardinals, the Rockets had to put a new quarterback out on the field. Why? Starter Tucker Gleason was forced to the sidelines for this game. Therefore, the Rockets had to make a quick switch.
What’s Happening With Toledo QB Kalieb Osborne?
Before the game, On3Sports College Football Insider Brett McMurphy sent out a note on X about Toledo putting freshman Kalieb Osborne in the game as the Rockets’ signal-caller on Tuesday.
McMurphy wrote, “Toledo freshman QB Kalieb Osborne starts today vs. Louisville in Boca Raton Bowl, sources told @On3Sports,” McMurphy wrote. “Tucker Gleason, who started every game for Rockets, won’t play because of injury suffered in regular season finale. Instead, Gleason will help as a coach for Toledo”.
Toledo freshman QB Kalieb Osborne starts today vs. Louisville in Boca Raton Bowl, sources told @On3sports. Tucker Gleason, who started every game for Rockets, won’t play because of injury suffered in regular season finale. Instead, Gleason will help as a coach for Toledo
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) December 23, 2025
Osborne has primarily been used as a rushing option this season for the Rockets. Entering Tuesday’s bowl game in Boca Raton, Fla., Osborne has 33 rushing attempts for 205 yards and two rushing touchdowns.
So, how’s he been doing in the Boca Raton Bowl? With the game in the fourth quarter and Louisville holding a 21-14 lead, Osborne has thrown one touchdown pass. However, the Rockets’ offense just seems to be missing a beat without Gleason running the offense.
Gleason started his college football career at Georgia Tech before transferring to Toledo. In five years with the Rockets, Gleason has thrown for 6,659 career yards, 57 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions. According to the PFSN CFB QB Impact metrics, Tucker had an impact score of 78.5 and graded out to a C+ for the MAC school.
Gleason also provided a running option to his play, making him a dual-threat quarterback. This season, Gleason had 46 rushes for 144 yards and four rushing touchdowns. He was definitely a game-changing quarterback for Toledo, who entered the bowl game with an 8-4 overall record.
While Toledo is missing Gleason’s play against Louisville, Osborne is doing his best to keep the Rockets in contention. Look for Osborne to possibly even get a look at being the Rockets’ quarterback next season.
Still, not seeing Gleason out there probably didn’t help Toledo fans feel good about their chances to secure a bowl victory two days before Christmas.
