Sayin Surges Ahead: Julian Sayin Emerges as Front-Runner in Ohio State’s Fierce Quarterback Battle
Ohio State’s quarterback race has become the hottest topic in Columbus this offseason, and as fall camp intensifies, one name has started to rise above the rest: Julian Sayin. The redshirt freshman and former five-star recruit appears to be taking the lead in the race to replace Will Howard, who guided the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2024 before departing for the NFL. But while Sayin is gaining momentum, the battle is far from over, with Lincoln Kienholz pushing hard and true freshman Tavien St. Clair lurking just behind. With the 2025 season opener against Texas on the horizon, head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Brian Hartline are facing one of the most pivotal decisions in recent Ohio State football history.
Julian Sayin’s rise has not been unexpected. A former Alabama commit who transferred to Ohio State early in 2024, Sayin was widely considered one of the most polished quarterback prospects in recent memory. He enrolled with high expectations and wasted no time turning heads with his clean mechanics, high football IQ, and ability to read defenses far beyond his age. In limited action last season, Sayin completed five of twelve passes for 84 yards and added a couple of runs for 24 yards, showing flashes of the mobility and calm pocket presence that had earned him five-star status in the first place. His performance in spring practices only reinforced the belief that he could become the next great quarterback to wear scarlet and gray.
Inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, Sayin has impressed coaches with his leadership and day-to-day preparation. Those close to the program say that he has taken significant strides since spring, consistently making accurate throws, commanding the huddle, and showing improvement in pre-snap reads. What sets Sayin apart, according to observers, is his poise under pressure and his knack for processing complex defenses on the fly—skills usually reserved for more experienced quarterbacks. It’s those qualities that have reportedly given him a slight edge as the Buckeyes head deeper into preseason camp.
But Ryan Day has made it clear that the job is not yet decided. The head coach has repeatedly emphasized that the competition remains open and that every quarterback in the room has the opportunity to seize the starting role. Lincoln Kienholz, the redshirt sophomore from South Dakota, is doing everything in his power to make that decision difficult. A former multi-sport athlete and four-star recruit, Kienholz has quietly become a serious contender. His experience in the system, mobility, and competitive edge have allowed him to keep pace with Sayin throughout the offseason. Coaches have praised his work ethic and toughness, and his command of the offense has improved dramatically over the last six months.
Kienholz has also made it clear he’s not interested in transferring or backing down. Despite the arrival of Sayin and the buzz surrounding the freshman phenom St. Clair, Kienholz has stayed the course, betting on himself to win the job. In limited playing time last season, he completed 22 passes for 111 yards, mostly in garbage time. But those close to the program note that his real value lies in his ability to make off-script plays, extend drives with his legs, and bring an edge to the huddle that’s infectious. He’s been described as a gritty leader who thrives in chaotic situations—a contrast to Sayin’s more structured, precision-based style. That contrast makes this competition even more fascinating. Sayin may be the cleaner passer, but Kienholz offers an improvisational skill set that could be vital in big games against elite defenses.
Then there’s Tavien St. Clair, the true freshman from Ohio who arrived on campus as one of the most highly touted quarterback prospects in the country. At 6-foot-4 with a rocket arm, impressive mobility, and elite production at the high school level, St. Clair is the future of the program. Though he’s not expected to start right away, those who’ve watched him closely say he’s already turning heads in practice. His physical tools are undeniable, and his grasp of the playbook is ahead of schedule. While he’s likely a year away from seriously competing for the starting role, Day hasn’t completely ruled him out as a contributor in 2025. If injuries or inconsistency hit the top two, St. Clair could find himself on the field sooner than expected.
The context around this quarterback race adds another layer of intrigue. Will Howard’s departure left a massive void—not just in terms of on-field production but also leadership. Howard threw for over 4,000 yards and 35 touchdowns last season while completing 73 percent of his passes and leading Ohio State to a national title. His command of the offense and ability to perform in clutch situations gave the Buckeyes a sense of stability that will be hard to replace. Whoever wins the job will be stepping into enormous shoes and facing immediate pressure to keep the program at a championship level.
New offensive coordinator Brian Hartline, who was promoted to the play-calling role this offseason, has played a central role in evaluating the quarterbacks. Hartline has brought a renewed focus on timing, rhythm passing, and quarterback decision-making. His offense relies on quick reads, precise throws, and trust in wide receivers to make plays after the catch. Sayin, with his sharp processing and accuracy, appears tailor-made for this system. But Hartline has also worked closely with Kienholz, helping him refine his footwork and decision-making. By all accounts, the QB room has responded well to the new structure and intensity, and the competition has brought out the best in all three candidates.
The battle is also playing out under the watchful eyes of Ohio State’s elite receiver corps, which includes projected first-round NFL draft pick Jeremiah Smith and rising stars like Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss. The presence of such talent on the outside adds pressure to the quarterbacks but also provides a significant safety net. As one player put it, “You don’t have to be perfect—just get the ball to these guys and let them work.” That said, whoever wins the job will be expected to make quick reads, distribute the ball efficiently, and avoid costly mistakes.
Public opinion has largely coalesced around Sayin as the favorite. Recruiting pedigree, practice reports, and overall polish have made him the projected starter among analysts and fans alike. But history has shown that the most talented quarterback doesn’t always win the job. Day has repeatedly emphasized that leadership, toughness, and consistency will ultimately determine who starts. That gives Kienholz, and potentially even St. Clair, a real chance if they can out-execute Sayin over the next few weeks.
There is also a sense that this decision won’t just impact the upcoming season but the long-term trajectory of the program. Naming Sayin the starter could signal a commitment to a multi-year development plan centered around his high ceiling. Choosing Kienholz might reflect a short-term focus on experience and grit. Holding St. Clair back could preserve his redshirt, giving Ohio State a high-upside option for the future. Each path has its risks and rewards, and with expectations sky-high in Columbus, there’s little margin for error.
One of the biggest challenges for the coaching staff will be managing the locker room dynamics. All three quarterbacks are well-liked, respected, and talented. Naming a starter inevitably changes the balance of relationships in the room. Day will need to ensure that whoever wins the job has the full support of the team and that the others remain engaged and ready. Injuries, poor performances, or game-specific matchups could require multiple quarterbacks to play meaningful snaps this season.
As August progresses, the pressure will mount. The Buckeyes open the season on the road in Austin against a top-five Texas team that brings back an elite defense and a rabid home crowd. There’s no easing into the year. Whoever wins the quarterback job must be ready to perform under the brightest lights and on the biggest stage. That reality is pushing this competition to new levels of intensity as camp continues.
In the end, it appears that Julian Sayin has the upper hand, at least for now. His calm demeanor, sharp instincts, and precise throws have made a strong impression on coaches and teammates alike. But Lincoln Kienholz is not backing down, and Tavien St. Clair is too talented to be ignored for long. As Ryan Day often says, the best player will play. And in Columbus, with a national championship to defend and a fanbase hungry for more, there is no room for doubt. The quarterback race at Ohio State is entering its final stretch, and only one man will emerge as the leader of one of college football’s most powerful programs.
