Ohio State is in the middle of another quarterback battle—news to no one. Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz have been competing since the spring, and the fight has carried into fall camp.
But with the season opener against the nation’s top-ranked team, Texas, looming on August 30th, the clock is ticking. The Buckeyes need to settle on a starter now to maximize first-team reps.
And that starter should be Julian Sayin.
Always His Job to Lose
From the moment Sayin stepped on campus, this competition has felt like his to lose. Kienholz may be a little bigger and more athletic, but Sayin is the more polished passer—precise, accurate, and capable of reading defenses and anticipating throws like a seasoned veteran.
He has the arm strength to stretch the field and the poise to thrive in Ohio State’s offense. And let’s not forget: Nick Saban—arguably the greatest coach in college football history—was the first to land Sayin’s commitment. You don’t stash that kind of talent on the bench.
Weapons All Around Him
If Sayin is under center, he’ll have the luxury of throwing to elite weapons like Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, with a strong offensive line protecting him. The pieces are in place for him to succeed immediately, even against a powerhouse like Texas in Week 1.
With 19 days until kickoff, every first-team snap matters. The sooner Ryan Day names his starter, the more prepared Ohio State will be when they step onto the field.
The Start of Something Special
Sayin has the tools. The roster has the talent. The chemistry is there waiting to be built. Why wait?
It’s time to usher in the Sayin–Smith era in Columbus—a duo that could electrify Buckeye fans for the next two seasons.
Ryan Day, the decision is obvious. Name Julian Sayin your starting quarterback and let the fun begin.