Ryan Day: Ohio State’s Quarterback Competition Remains Wide Open
As the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare for the 2025 football season, head coach Ryan Day faces a pivotal decision: selecting the starting quarterback from a pool of talented candidates. With the departure of former starter Will Howard, the competition has intensified among Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz, and incoming freshman Tavien St. Clair. Despite the high stakes, Day emphasizes that there is currently no clear frontrunner for the position.
The Contenders
Julian Sayin
A former five-star recruit who transferred from Alabama following Nick Saban’s retirement, Sayin brings a wealth of experience and a strong arm to the Buckeyes’ offense. His familiarity with high-pressure situations and leadership qualities make him a formidable contender for the starting role.
Lincoln Kienholz
Having joined Ohio State in 2023, Kienholz has had limited game experience but has impressed coaches with his athleticism and potential. His performance in spring practices has kept him firmly in the mix for the starting quarterback position.
Tavien St. Clair
The incoming five-star freshman from Ohio, St. Clair is highly regarded for his dual-threat capabilities and football IQ. While he is new to the collegiate level, his talent and work ethic have earned him a spot in the competition.
Coach Day’s Approach
Ryan Day has been clear about his desire to avoid a prolonged quarterback battle extending into the regular season. He acknowledged that last year’s extended competition between Kyle McCord and Devin Brown was not ideal and expressed a preference for a quicker resolution this time around. However, he also emphasized the importance of allowing the competition to play out organically to ensure the best candidate earns the starting role.
“It’s going to come down to playing the best players,” Day remarked, highlighting the significance of the quarterback position in the team’s success. He also noted that the coaching staff plans to be strategic in distributing reps during fall camp to facilitate a fair evaluation process.
Fan Perspectives
Ohio State fans have been actively discussing the quarterback competition, with many expressing confidence in Sayin’s abilities. A recent fan survey indicated that a majority believe Sayin will emerge as the starter, though they also acknowledge the talents of Kienholz and St. Clair. This widespread optimism reflects the high expectations placed on the quarterback position and the belief that the competition will yield a capable leader for the offense.
Looking Ahead
As the Buckeyes approach fall camp, the quarterback competition remains one of the most closely watched storylines. Ryan Day’s decision will have significant implications for the team’s offensive strategy and overall performance in the upcoming season. While there is no clear frontrunner at this stage, the ongoing evaluation process ensures that the most qualified candidate will lead Ohio State’s offense into the 2025 season.
The coming weeks will be crucial as Sayin, Kienholz, and St. Clair continue to showcase their skills and vie for the starting quarterback position. With Ryan Day at the helm, the Buckeyes are poised to make a well-informed decision that will set the tone for their season.
