Breaking Down Ohio State's Quarterback Battle

Julian Sayin 

Recruiting Profile:  5-Star, No. 1 quarterback in the 2024 class

Background: After enrolling at Alabama and participating in Rose Bowl practices, Sayin transferred to Ohio State once Nick Saban retired. When spring practice began last year, the buzz around the program was that Sayin had the best arm talent in the program. The coaches were impressed with his ability to make every throw.

What does he bring to the position: Elite arm talent. Will Howard progressed last year as a starter, but he probably doesn’t have the same level of arm talent as Sayin. It isn’t just how strong his arm is, it is also about how he can use different arm angles to deliver the ball. He also shows good accuracy on most throws.

Areas of growth: The biggest area of concern is his experience and his running ability. In key situations last year, Howard was used in the run game for Ohio State. An example was in the National Championship game when he rushed 16 times. The running ability is something Ohio State will have to see if Sayin can do or restructure their offense altogether. Lack of experience will be tough for Sayin to overcome early on, but he has the talent to improve and get better. 

Lincoln Keinholz 

Recruiting Profile: 4-Star, No. 11 quarterback in the 2023 class

Background: Keinholz was a late addition to the 2023 class. Since he arrived in Columbus he was viewed mostly as a developmental quarterback. In 2023 he got on the field twice during the regular season in spot duty. Then in the Cotton Bowl against Missouri, he was thrust into action because Devin Brown was hurt in the game. He struggled badly in a tough situation. Last year he did not get on the field, but most people in the program say that he is a great teammate. He then decided to come back and compete for the quarterback job. If Keinholz wins the job, it is because he is a good athlete and can be used more in the run game as Howard was.

Areas of growth: For Keinholz it comes down to his ability to consistently throw the ball. Sayin has immense throwing talent - can Keinholz improve enough to make it a close battle? Keinholz faces a big spring because if he does not win the job, he could transfer out in the spring window.

Tavien St. Clair 

Recruiting Profile: 5-Star, No. 3 quarterback in the 2025 class

Background: St. Clair is from Bellefontaine, Ohio - the rare Ohio quarterback signing for the Buckeyes. He's the first in-state quarterback to sign with the Buckeyes since Joe Burrow. St. Clair rapidly moved up as a recruit, as he initially was a 3-star prospect. He is a talented athlete with the skills to eventually develop into a good quarterback.

His future: He enrolled early at Ohio State in January and will be practicing with the Buckeyes this spring. I do not think he will compete for the quarterback position as he needs to sit back, learn and develop this year. A year from now he should be in a position to compete for a starting job. No matter what, St. Clair has a bright future and eventually could start for the Buckeyes.