Julian Sayin Named Starting QB for Ohio State: What It Means for the Buckeyes in 2025
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The wait is over. Head coach Ryan Day has officially named Julian Sayin as Ohio State’s starting quarterback for the 2025 season opener. After eight months of competition, Sayin won the job over Lincoln Kienholz. The Buckeyes will now move forward with their five-star signal caller leading the offense against No. 1 Texas on August 30.
Here’s a deep dive into why Day chose Sayin, what this means for Ohio State’s future, and what comes next as camp winds down.
Why Julian Sayin Won the Job
Elite Talent Shines Through
Julian Sayin arrived at Ohio State with sky-high expectations. The former Alabama commit was the top-ranked quarterback in the 2024 class. Even though he played only 27 snaps last season in mop-up duty, his arm strength, timing, and accuracy stood out throughout spring and summer practices.
Ryan Day confirmed that Sayin earned the job with his performance in live situations. “We wanted to make sure the guy starting is getting the majority of the reps with the ones,” Day said on Monday.
Sayin’s Consistency Sealed It
While both quarterbacks had their moments, Sayin proved more consistent in camp. That consistency, combined with his upside, made the choice clear for Day and the coaching staff. At 6-foot-1 and 208 pounds, Sayin isn’t the biggest QB, but he delivers the ball with confidence and precision when his feet are set.
The Timing Was Right
Follows Last Year’s Timeline
Last season, Ohio State named Will Howard the starter on August 15. This year, the staff waited until after the second scrimmage. The decision gave them more time to evaluate both quarterbacks in game-like scenarios.
By announcing the starter now, Day gives Sayin two critical weeks to gel with the first team ahead of the season opener against Texas. That timing could prove crucial in one of the most anticipated games of the year.
Is This Decision a Surprise?
Not Really
Most fans and analysts expected Sayin to start. His talent alone made him the frontrunner. But Kienholz put up a strong fight. He hasn’t thrown a pass since last year’s Cotton Bowl, but he has experience in the system and a competitive edge.
In the end, Day picked the player with more long-term potential. Sayin’s skillset fits what Ohio State wants at the quarterback position moving forward.
What Happens to Kienholz?
Backup Role or Transfer?
Lincoln Kienholz could still play this season. Look for him in special packages or late-game situations. But let’s be real: the odds of a quarterback staying on the bench long-term in this era are slim.
If Sayin performs well, Kienholz may look to transfer after the season. That’s not a knock on him—it’s just the reality of today’s college football landscape. Still, his presence adds depth and value to the room in 2025
Back to Buckeye Roots
Developing From Within
Even though Sayin transferred in, he never played a snap at Alabama. That makes this feel like an in-house development. Ohio State is returning to its roots—building elite QBs from within.
Will Howard came in for a single season in 2024. Now, the Buckeyes look poised to get multiple years out of Sayin before turning to five-star freshman Tavien St. Clair in the future.
This strategy saves money and builds continuity. In the new revenue-sharing era, avoiding big portal payouts while keeping talent home-grown is a win.
Future Looks Bright at Quarterback
Loaded Pipeline
Ohio State is stacked at quarterback. After Sayin, Tavien St. Clair waits in the wings. He’s impressed coaches already with his arm and leadership. The Buckeyes also have a 2026 commitment from Luke Fahey, another highly ranked prospect.
This pipeline ensures Ohio State stays elite at the position for ye…