Ryan Day’s Quarterback Dilemma: Will Julian Sayin or Tavien St. Clair Take Over as Ohio State’s Next Superstar?
When it comes to quarterback battles, Ohio State doesn’t just pick a player—it sets the foundation for an era. The Buckeyes are known for their elite quarterbacks, and now, with Will Howard departing for the NFL, Ryan Day has a decision to make. But this time, there’s no last-minute portal rescue, no transfer Hail Mary. The next QB1 is already in the locker room.
So, who will it be? The choices are tantalizing: five-star Alabama transfer Julian Sayin, the towering freshman phenom Tavien St. Clair, or dark-horse candidate Lincoln Keinholz. Each brings a unique skill set to the table, but one thing’s for sure—whoever wins this battle will have the weight of Ohio State’s championship hopes on their shoulders.
The Will Howard Effect: A Leader, But Not a Legend
Howard’s tenure in Columbus was brief but effective. He wasn’t the most electrifying quarterback to wear the scarlet and gray, but he had the leadership and poise to get the job done. As insider Zach Smith put it, “He was the right guy at the right time.” Howard didn’t need to be a superstar—he just had to manage the offense, avoid costly mistakes, and let Ohio State’s firepower do the rest.
Even when Howard struggled early on—especially with his deep ball—he owned it. After a rough game against Nebraska, he admitted, “Yeah, I played awful, man. I just—I’m thankful for my teammates because I could have lost that one for us.” That kind of accountability is what made him the perfect fit for last season.
But now, Ohio State needs more than just a game manager. They need a leader who can take this offense to another level.
Julian Sayin: The Next Buckeye Superstar?
If hype could win championships, Julian Sayin would already have one. The former Alabama commit, a five-star prodigy, has been labeled a future superstar. And while he spent last season sitting behind Howard, insiders say he has all the tools to take over.
At 6’1” with a lightning-quick release, Sayin is the definition of a modern quarterback. According to Smith, “Reports from practice say Julian Sayin has a whip. When the ball comes out of his hand, it pops. Doesn’t look like a college quarterback—looks like a young NFL talent.”
That’s a bold statement, but Sayin’s credentials back it up. He was the 2023 Gatorade California Player of the Year, boasting a 66.5% completion rate in high school. He’s smart, poised, and already has a deep understanding of Ryan Day’s system.
But is he ready to lead one of college football’s most demanding programs?
Tavien St. Clair: The Dark Horse Built for the Big Stage
If there’s one player who can shake up the quarterback battle, it’s Tavien St. Clair. At 6’4”, he looks like he was built in an NFL lab—big arm, mobility, and the frame to take a hit. He’s a classic Ryan Day quarterback, reminiscent of past Buckeye greats like Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud.
While St. Clair is younger and less experienced than Sayin, insiders believe he could push for the starting job. And with Ohio State never shying away from throwing a freshman into the fire—just ask J.T. Barrett or Braxton Miller—St. Clair could be the surprise contender that no one sees coming.
The Battle Begins: Who Will Lead Ohio State in 2025?
Ryan Day has made it clear—this will be an all-out war for the starting job. “These guys are going to compete their tail off,” Day said on Columbus’ 97.1 FM. “We have some good quarterbacks in the system, and they all have the potential to lead this team.”
But this battle isn’t just about talent—it’s about leadership. Ohio State’s next quarterback needs to command the huddle, inspire the locker room, and perform under the blinding lights of championship expectations.
Bleacher Report’s Brad Shepard believes Sayin is the front-runner, even suggesting he could be “one of the best quarterbacks in Ohio State history.” That’s a big claim for a program that has produced legends.
With elite weapons like Jeremiah Smith ready to catch passes and Ohio State eyeing another national title, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will Julian Sayin take the reins and lead the Buckeyes into a new golden era? Or will Tavien St. Clair shock everyone and become the next great Buckeye quarterback?
The battle for QB1 in Columbus is officially on—and the entire college football world is watching.
