Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz remain ‘neck and neck’ for Ohio State’s starting quarterback job as Tavien St. Clair develops

Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz Remain ‘Neck and Neck’ for Ohio State’s Starting Quarterback Job as Tavien St. Clair Develops

As the 2025 college football season approaches, all eyes are on the Ohio State Buckeyes and their search for the next starting quarterback. With an offensive juggernaut in place, the Buckeyes have the luxury of choosing from a dynamic pool of talented quarterbacks, with Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz emerging as the frontrunners. Meanwhile, Tavien St. Clair, an up-and-coming young talent, is steadily making his case to be a future star under center. The battle for the starting job has become one of the most anticipated storylines heading into spring practice.

Head coach Ryan Day, known for his offensive prowess, faces the challenge of deciding which of these quarterbacks will lead Ohio State’s explosive offense next season. Both Sayin and Kienholz have shown glimpses of brilliance, with their skill sets differing in some areas but aligning in others. Meanwhile, St. Clair’s rapid development continues to make him a dark horse in the competition, with many within the program expecting big things from him in the near future.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the three quarterbacks vying for the starting job at Ohio State. We’ll explore Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz’s strengths, weaknesses, and unique qualities that make them elite contenders for the role. Additionally, we’ll look at Tavien St. Clair’s progress and what his future might hold as he continues to develop. Finally, we’ll consider how this quarterback competition is shaping up and what it means for the future of the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Julian Sayin: The Highly Regarded Prototypical Quarterback

Julian Sayin, a highly touted recruit, has garnered plenty of attention as he looks to earn the starting quarterback role at Ohio State. Hailing from California, Sayin came to Ohio State with an impressive resume, having been a five-star recruit and one of the top quarterbacks in the nation. His reputation as a polished passer and capable leader has followed him into his early college career.

Sayin’s most notable quality is his ability to throw the football with precision and accuracy. His mechanics are nearly flawless, which is crucial for success at the college and NFL levels. Sayin has an innate ability to read defenses, making him a natural fit for Ryan Day’s offense, which relies heavily on quick decisions and reading defensive coverages.

In terms of arm strength, Sayin can make all the necessary throws. Whether it’s deep balls down the sideline, intermediate routes across the middle, or quick outs to the outside, Sayin can get the ball where it needs to go with velocity and touch. His poise in the pocket allows him to wait for the right moment to deliver passes, often making him difficult to sack even when under pressure.

What sets Sayin apart, however, is his football IQ. He’s not just a strong-armed quarterback; he’s also a student of the game. Sayin’s ability to break down opposing defenses and find the best options in his progression makes him a nightmare for defensive coordinators. This makes him well-suited for a program like Ohio State, where the quarterback must be able to handle complex offensive schemes and make adjustments on the fly.

Despite his impressive skill set, Sayin still has room to grow, particularly when it comes to his mobility. Though he’s not considered a dual-threat quarterback, Sayin does have enough athleticism to escape pressure and extend plays with his legs when necessary. However, compared to his competitors, he may not be as explosive in this area. That said, Sayin’s ability to make up for his limited mobility with his accuracy and football knowledge still makes him an incredibly dangerous quarterback.

Lincoln Kienholz: The Dual-Threat Playmaker

While Julian Sayin brings an incredibly polished passing game to the table, Lincoln Kienholz offers a dynamic dual-threat ability that can make Ohio State’s offense even more unpredictable. A highly recruited athlete who earned a reputation as a dual-threat quarterback, Kienholz’s ability to extend plays with his legs is a key part of his appeal. However, Kienholz’s athleticism is just one piece of the puzzle; his natural throwing ability has made him a well-rounded option for Ohio State’s offense.

Kienholz, who hails from South Dakota, spent a portion of his high school career showcasing his speed and agility as a quarterback. His mobility allows him to escape pressure and extend plays, which is particularly valuable in a system that encourages downfield shots and quick-strike opportunities. What makes Kienholz unique is his ability to hurt teams both as a runner and as a passer, creating constant pressure on defenses to account for both his arm and his legs.

One of the aspects that make Kienholz a promising option for Ohio State is his ability to read defenses and throw accurately on the run. Whether he’s rolling out to the right or left, Kienholz has shown a knack for delivering precise throws while on the move. This is especially valuable in modern college football, where quarterbacks are often asked to make off-platform throws. His quick release and confidence in throwing on the run make him a dangerous weapon in both structured and improvisational situations.

While Kienholz’s athleticism is a major selling point, it also presents a challenge when it comes to consistency. He has a tendency to rely on his legs when plays break down, which sometimes leads to rushed throws or missed opportunities. With continued development, Kienholz has the potential to balance his dual-threat capabilities with the ability to process defenses more efficiently from the pocket. If he can refine his decision-making and develop a stronger understanding of defensive schemes, Kienholz could emerge as a game-changing quarterback for Ohio State.

What makes this competition intriguing is that Kienholz’s dual-threat skill set could open up additional offensive playbooks for Ohio State. A quarterback who can make plays with both his arm and legs would force defensive coordinators to account for multiple layers of the Buckeyes’ attack, which could make their offense even more potent.

Tavien St. Clair: The Developing Talent

Tavian St. Clair, an up-and-coming young quarterback, may not yet be in the same conversation as Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz when it comes to the starting quarterback position, but his development is a story to keep an eye on. As a true freshman, St. Clair has been learning the ropes and adjusting to the college game. However, the early returns have been positive, with many within the Ohio State program believing that he has the tools to be a future star under center.

St. Clair is a more traditional pocket passer compared to the dual-threat abilities of Kienholz, but he still possesses impressive arm strength and accuracy that make him a potential future leader for the Buckeyes. His ability to read defenses and make decisions in the pocket has impressed coaches during practice, and many believe that he has the potential to compete for the starting job in the near future.

While he may not be as physically developed as Sayin and Kienholz, St. Clair’s growth and development over the next few seasons could make him a force to be reckoned with. If he continues to work on his mechanics and decision-making, St. Clair has the opportunity to rise through the ranks and eventually challenge for the starting position at Ohio State.

The Quarterback Battle: What It Means for Ohio State

The quarterback competition at Ohio State is shaping up to be one of the most exciting storylines of the upcoming season. While Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz are both elite talents, the development of Tavien St. Clair as a potential future star adds another layer of intrigue to the competition. Ohio State has been known for producing high-level quarterbacks, and with Ryan Day’s offensive system, the next starter will be asked to lead a potent offense that could contend for a national title.

For the Buckeyes, the biggest challenge will be selecting the right quarterback to complement the offense. Sayin’s ability to execute the passing game and read defenses makes him a great fit for Day’s system, but Kienholz’s ability to add an element of unpredictability with his legs could give Ohio State a dynamic weapon. St. Clair, while still in development, represents the future of the program and could eventually prove to be a long-term solution under center.

At the same time, Ohio State’s offensive unit is loaded with talent. With star wide receivers and an elite offensive line, the next starting quarterback will have plenty of weapons at his disposal. The decision on who will lead the offense will be critical for the Buckeyes, as they look to maintain their dominance in the Big Ten and beyond.