For what feels like an eternity, the narrative surrounding the Ohio State Buckeyes’ quarterback position has often revolved around the search for “the next one” – the heir apparent, the undisputed signal-caller who will lead them to sustained glory. While recent years have seen immensely talented quarterbacks like Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud elevate the program, there has always been a subtle undercurrent of a looming question: who is the true quarterback of the future, the cornerstone of the post-Ryan Day era, who will define the next decade of Buckeye football? The fervent anticipation building around the 2025 season suggests that the Buckeyes may have, at long last, discovered him.
The spotlight for the 2025 season shines brightest on Julian Sayin, the highly touted five-star transfer from Alabama. Sayin, widely considered the top quarterback in the 2024 recruiting class before his brief stint in Tuscaloosa, made headlines when he entered the transfer portal following Nick Saban’s retirement and quickly landed in Columbus. His decision to join the Buckeyes was a monumental recruiting win, signalling Ohio State’s continued ability to attract elite talent, even amidst fierce competition. All indications from spring practice and insider reports point to Sayin as the frontrunner for the starting job, and he is expected to make his highly anticipated debut against a formidable Texas Longhorns team led by Arch Manning in the season opener.
What makes Sayin a potentially defining “quarterback of the future” for Ohio State? Firstly, his pure talent. He possesses all the physical tools: a strong, accurate arm, excellent touch, and the athleticism to extend plays and contribute to the run game. As a dual-threat quarterback, he fits perfectly into Ryan Day’s modern offensive scheme, which emphasizes RPOs, quick throws, and the ability to challenge defenses both through the air and on the ground. Sayin’s high school film, which saw him accumulate 7,824 passing yards and 85 touchdowns against just 10 interceptions, speaks volumes about his precision and decision-making under pressure. Former Alabama coach Nick Saban, who initially recruited Sayin, has publicly lauded his character and talent, noting his ability to see over the offensive line despite his 6-foot-1 frame and deliver accurate passes.
Beyond the immediate impact of Sayin, Ohio State’s potential for long-term quarterback stability is truly remarkable. The Buckeyes already have true freshman Tavien St. Clair on campus, another five-star prospect from the 2025 recruiting class. St. Clair, a native Ohioan, represents the homegrown talent that Ohio State strives to cultivate. While he is expected to begin his career as the third-string quarterback behind Sayin and incumbent Lincoln Kienholz, his potential is immense. At 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, St. Clair possesses an ideal quarterback physique, combining power with surprising agility. His development under Ryan Day and quarterbacks coach Billy Fessler will be a key storyline for the future, as he is widely projected to be the next in line after Sayin, should all go according to plan.
Adding another layer of future security is Brady Edmonds, a four-star commitment in the 2027 class. Edmonds, despite being two years away from stepping on campus, has already made an impact in the Columbus community through charitable initiatives, demonstrating his character and commitment to the “Buckeye Way.” His early commitment and passion for Ohio State highlight the program’s strong appeal to top quarterback prospects who envision themselves leading the Buckeyes for years to come. This multi-year pipeline of highly rated quarterbacks is a testament to Ryan Day’s success in recruiting and developing the position.
The “quarterback of the future” narrative for Ohio State isn’t solely about the players themselves; it’s deeply intertwined with the coaching philosophy and development infrastructure in place. Ryan Day has cultivated a reputation as a “quarterback guru,” having coached and developed NFL-caliber talents like Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields, and C.J. Stroud. Current NFL players, like C.J. Stroud, continue to praise Ohio State’s quarterback development, citing it as a key reason why young signal-callers are drawn to Columbus. This consistent track record of turning promising high school talents into collegiate stars and NFL draft picks is a powerful selling point that reassures prospects and fans alike. The collaboration between Day, Offensive Coordinator Brian Hartline, and quarterbacks coach Billy Fessler ensures a consistent and high-level approach to quarterback training, focusing on fundamentals, decision-making, and mental fortitude.
However, the path to becoming “the quarterback of the future” is rarely without its challenges. Julian Sayin, despite his immense talent, is still a redshirt freshman who will be facing the intense pressure of leading one of college football’s most high-profile programs in the fiercely competitive Big Ten. The early season schedule, particularly the game against Texas, will be a significant test, and he may experience growing pains. ESPN’s Paul Finebaum, known for his critical takes, has already expressed skepticism about Sayin’s readiness to lead the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2025, suggesting that the room for error will be little with high expectations. This is where the depth of the quarterback room becomes crucial. Lincoln Kienholz, who gained some valuable experience in 2024, provides a reliable backup, while Tavien St. Clair’s presence ensures that the long-term future remains bright, even if Sayin’s immediate transition isn’t perfectly smooth.
The ongoing recruitment efforts for the 2026 class, particularly with the recent offer to four-star quarterback Luke Fahey, further illustrate Ohio State’s continuous quest for elite talent at the position. While the 2026 class has been a bit unusual for the Buckeyes, as they haven’t yet secured a quarterback commitment, their pursuit of top prospects like Fahey demonstrates their commitment to maintaining a robust quarterback pipeline. The fact that Ohio State is trending as a favorite for Fahey, despite entering his recruitment late, speaks to the program’s appeal and the reputation of its quarterback development.
In essence, Ohio State’s search for “the quarterback of the future” has evolved from a speculative quest to a strategic and well-executed plan. With Julian Sayin poised to take the reins, backed by promising talents like Tavien St. Clair and Brady Edmonds, and guided by a coaching staff renowned for quarterback development, the Buckeyes finally appear to have assembled a quarterback room that not only addresses immediate needs but also secures the program’s long-term dominance at the most critical position in football. The excitement is palpable, and as the 2025 season approaches, the focus will be squarely on these young signal-callers as they strive to fulfill the immense expectations that come with leading the Ohio State Buckeyes. The future, it seems, is finally here.
