As the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare for the upcoming college football season, the spotlight intensifies on their quarterback competition. Following the departure of national championship-winning quarterback Will Howard to the NFL, head coach Ryan Day faces the challenge of identifying the next leader under center. The contenders include redshirt freshman Lincoln Kienholz, sophomore Julian Sayin, and incoming freshman Tavien St. Clair. Recent developments suggest that one of these talented individuals is beginning to separate himself in this fierce battle.The Contenders lincoln Kienholz: Entering his second year with the Buckeyes, Kienholz saw limited action last season, appearing in two games without attempting a pass. His experience within Ohio State’s system provides him with a foundational understanding of the offense.Julian Sayin: A former five-star recruit, Sayin transferred to Ohio State following the retirement of Alabama’s Nick Saban. His high school career was marked by exceptional accuracy, completing 74.5% of his passes with only one interception in his senior year. Sayin’s quick adaptation to the Buckeyes’ offense has garnered significant attention.Tavien St. Clair: As a Five Star Plus+ prospect and the No. 4 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class, St. Clair brings a wealth of talent and potential. Despite his youth, his performance in early practices indicates he is ready to compete at the collegiate level.Emerging Leader according to reports from On3, head coach Ryan Day has described the quarterback competition as “fierce” and “wide open.” However, insiders suggest that Julian Sayin is making a compelling case for the starting role. Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins noted that the buzz surrounding Sayin is “through the roof,” drawing comparisons to Tua Tagovailoa’s early impact at Alabama. Sayin’s rapid assimilation into the Buckeyes’ offensive scheme and his demonstrated poise during practices have impressed both coaches and teammates. His ability to make quick decisions and deliver accurate passes under pressure has set him apart in the eyes of many observers.Coach Day’s Perspective coach Day emphasizes the importance of leadership and consistency in determining the starting quarterback. He has communicated to all contenders the necessity of stepping up and embracing the responsibilities that come with leading the team. Day stated, “Now, you have to now take it over. You have to walk different, you’ve got to move different. You have to practice different.” While the competition remains officially open, the coaching staff is meticulously evaluating each player’s performance in practices, scrimmages, and their overall command of the offense.Looking Ahead as the Buckeyes progress through their offseason program, the quarterback battle will continue to be a focal point. The team’s decision will not only impact the offensive dynamics but also set the tone for their title defense. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see who ultimately earns the starting position.In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, the emergence of a new leader under center is both a challenge and an opportunity for Ohio State. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining who will take the reins and guide the Buckeyes in their pursuit of continued success.
