The Ohio State Quarterback Outlook in 2025: Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz, and Beyond

Ohio State University’s football program has long been synonymous with elite quarterback talent. From legends like Troy Smith and Rex Kern to recent stars such as Dwayne Haskins and Justin Fields, the Buckeyes have consistently been a breeding ground for some of college football’s best signal-callers. As the program looks toward 2025, the quarterback position remains one of the most closely watched aspects of the team’s future. Two names have emerged prominently in the recruitment conversation: Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz. Both bring unique skill sets and potential that could shape Ohio State’s offense in the coming years.

In this deep dive, we’ll analyze who Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz are, what they offer as prospects, how they fit into Ohio State’s system, and what the overall quarterback outlook for 2025 looks like. We’ll also examine the historical context of Ohio State quarterbacks and how the program’s style might evolve.

1. Background and Context: Ohio State’s Quarterback Legacy

Ohio State’s quarterback legacy is a rich tapestry of varied styles and successful transitions to professional football. From the pocket passer to the dual-threat, the Buckeyes have seen it all:

• Archie Griffin era and Rex Kern (late 1960s/early 1970s): A more run-heavy style with a versatile quarterback.
• Troy Smith (mid-2000s): Dynamic dual-threat with accuracy and mobility.
• Terrelle Pryor and Braxton Miller (early 2010s): Game-changing athletes who pushed Ohio State’s offense toward an RPO and run-pass option-heavy scheme.
• J.T. Barrett (2014-2017): A highly efficient, cerebral quarterback who kept the offense balanced.
• Dwayne Haskins and Justin Fields (2018-2020): Elite arm talent and accuracy with the ability to push the ball vertically.
• C.J. Stroud (2021-present): Exemplifies the new-age pocket passer with precision, quick decision-making, and NFL readiness.

This background gives context to Ohio State’s quarterback expectations: they want a leader who can read defenses, make quick decisions, and fit into an offense that balances explosive passing with a strong running game. Given this, the prospects coming in 2025 will be under immense pressure to maintain the program’s high standard.

2. Julian Sayin: The Californian Phenomenon

Profile and Recruitment

Julian Sayin is widely regarded as one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2025 class. A California native, Sayin has generated buzz across the nation due to his polished mechanics, football IQ, and poise beyond his years.

• Physical traits: Sayin stands around 6’3″, 195 pounds, with prototypical size for a quarterback. He has a strong arm capable of making all the NFL throws.
• Playing style: Sayin is primarily a pocket passer with excellent footwork and timing. Unlike many high school quarterbacks who rely on athleticism, Sayin’s strength lies in his ability to read defenses and deliver the ball quickly and accurately.
• High school performance: At his high school, Sayin consistently put up impressive numbers with low interception rates. His completion percentage is notably high, showcasing his accuracy and decision-making.
• Recruitment buzz: Sayin is heavily recruited by top programs nationwide, including Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and, crucially, Ohio State. He has been praised by scouts for his leadership qualities and his ability to command the huddle.

Strengths

• Mechanics: Sayin’s throwing motion is clean and repeatable, allowing for quick release and consistent accuracy.
• Football IQ: He has demonstrated advanced film study habits and the ability to make pre-snap adjustments.
• Poise: Even under pressure, Sayin maintains calm, a trait highly valued at the collegiate and professional levels.
• Accuracy: His placement on intermediate and deep throws is a major plus, fitting well with Ohio State’s evolving passing schemes.

Areas to Improve

• Athleticism: While Sayin is mobile enough to escape the pocket, he is not a true dual-threat quarterback. Ohio State will need to structure their offense around his strengths.
• Strength: He can add muscle to better withstand hits at the college level.
• Experience vs. top competition: While dominant at the high school level, Sayin will need to prove he can translate his success against elite college defenses.

3. Lincoln Kienholz: The Texas Talent

Profile and Recruitment

Lincoln Kienholz, a rising star from Texas, is another top-tier 2025 quarterback prospect with a different style compared to Sayin. Kienholz is known for his athleticism and improvisational skills.

• Physical traits: Kienholz measures roughly 6’2″, 200 pounds, with a sturdy frame and natural athletic ability.
• Playing style: Unlike Sayin’s pocket-passing emphasis, Kienholz offers a dynamic, dual-threat style with the ability to extend plays with his legs and create on the move.
• High school performance: Kienholz excels in a spread offense system, where he runs read-options and RPOs, showing a flair for making plays out of broken situations.
• Recruitment buzz: He has attracted attention from programs that value athletic quarterbacks capable of pushing defenses horizontally and vertically, including Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas, and Michigan.

Strengths

• Athleticism and Mobility: Kienholz’s ability to scramble and gain yards on the ground makes him a constant threat.
• Arm strength: He possesses a strong arm capable of making all the throws, even on the run.
• Improvisation: Kienholz shines when the pocket collapses, making plays with his feet and adjusting routes on the fly.
• Competitiveness: Coaches often cite his toughness and willingness to lead under pressure.

Areas to Improve

• Mechanics: His throwing motion can be inconsistent at times, leading to accuracy issues.
• Decision-making: Sometimes prone to forcing throws or holding the ball too long.
• Reading defenses: Needs to improve in pre-snap reads and anticipating coverage adjustments.

4. How Sayin and Kienholz Fit Ohio State’s Offense

Ohio State’s offensive philosophy under head coach Ryan Day (and potentially beyond) is a balanced, pro-style offense with modern RPO elements. It demands a quarterback who can:

• Quickly process defensive alignments.
• Deliver accurate throws from a clean pocket.
• Make smart decisions under pressure.
• Occasionally use athleticism to escape or extend plays.

Julian Sayin Fit

Sayin is a textbook fit for Ohio State’s preferred pocket passer mold. His accuracy and timing align with what Day’s offense requires for consistency and explosive downfield passing. Sayin could become a future C.J. Stroud-type — a polished passer who commands a pro-style offense.

If Ohio State commits to Sayin, they might need to lean more on their strong running backs and receivers for playmaking, as Sayin’s mobility is limited. Still, his strong arm and decision-making would help Ohio State maintain a vertical threat and manage the clock effectively.

Lincoln Kienholz Fit

Kienholz brings a more dual-threat dimension, closer to earlier Ohio State quarterbacks like Braxton Miller or J.T. Barrett. His ability to extend plays and threaten defenses with his legs would add a layer of complexity to Ohio State’s offense. Day’s offense has some built-in flexibility for athletic quarterbacks, and Kienholz could thrive in an RPO-heavy scheme.

However, Kienholz might require some refinement in mechanics and decision-making to fully adapt to Ohio State’s system, which places a premium on quick reads and accuracy.

As of 2024, Ohio State’s current starter, C.J. Stroud, is expected to be gone by the 2025 season, either graduating or declaring for the NFL Draft. This opens the door for a new leader at the position.

Existing QBs in 2024-2025

Ohio State typically maintains a deep QB roster, including true freshmen and redshirt freshmen who develop under the tutelage of the coaching staff. The outlook in 2025 will depend on:

• Which recruits sign with Ohio State.
• How returning quarterbacks develop in the interim.
• Potential transfers or new recruits entering the fold.

If Sayin or Kienholz enrolls early and adapts quickly, they could push for starting roles as early as 2025 or 2026.

The landing spot for both Sayin and Kienholz will be critical. Ohio State’s pitch includes a nationally recognized offense, exposure to NFL scouts, and a winning culture. However, competing offers from powerhouse programs create uncertainty.

Development and Coaching

Ohio State’s quarterback coaches have a proven track record of developing NFL-ready talent. How well Sayin or Kienholz adapts to this environment will be a big factor in their success.

System Adaptability

Ohio State’s offense might slightly adjust based on the quarterback’s skill set. Sayin could lead a more pocket-passing focused scheme, while Kienholz might enable more designed runs and RPO calls.

Looking toward 2025 and beyond, Ohio State’s quarterback position appears poised for another exciting era. Julian Sayin represents the prototypical, polished passer who can slot into Ohio State’s system with relative ease, while Lincoln Kienholz offers a dynamic, dual-threat option that could bring a different flavor to the offense.

Ultimately, Ohio State’s success will hinge on recruitment, development, and scheme fit. Given their history and coaching resources, the Buckeyes will likely continue to produce quarterbacks who excel both at the collegiate level and beyond.

For fans and analysts, the emerging rivalry between Sayin and Kienholz as top 2025 prospects will be fascinating to watch, potentially shaping not only Ohio State’s quarterback room but also the broader college football landscape.