Ohio State's Starting Quarterback in 2025 Predicted After Will Howard Exit

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Jan 14, 2025 2:09 PM ET

Star quarterback Will Howard transferred to Columbus this season after four years with the Kansas State Wildcats, with the intention of competing for a national championship with one of the best-structured teams in the country. On Jan. 20, he will have the opportunity to cap it off with exactly that when Ohio State takes on Notre Dame in Atlanta.

This season, Howard has totaled career highs in completions (72.6%), passing yards (3,779), and passing touchdowns (33). He's also added 169 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns.

Now, with the national title matchup being Howard's final game, ESPN broke down the projected starting quarterbacks for all power four teams, which highlights who the Buckeyes may start next season.

While Ohio State has class of 2025 five-star freshman quarterback Tavien St. Clair joining the team, ESPN predicts that current backup quarterback and former five-star transfer Julian Sayin will be next in line.

"The former five-star prospect landed at Ohio State only after enrolling at Alabama and entering the transfer portal following Nick Saban's retirement last January. Now, with Will Howard (NFL draft) and Air Noland (South Carolina) all elsewhere, the path is clear for Sayin to step into the Buckeyes' starting role." ESPN said.

ESPN projecting that Julian Sayin will be the Buckeyes starting quarterback for the 2025 season. pic.twitter.com/icZQuraLmF
— The Scarlet and Gray Podcast (@TheSG_Podcast) January 14, 2025

Sayin could be the youngest Buckeyes quarterback since C.J. Stroud became the starter in 2021, and as of right now, with backup quarterback Devin Brown transferring, St. Clair seems to be his only prominent competition this offseason.

Prior to the season, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day had some extremely high praise for Sayin, who made his presence felt right away during his time in scarlet and gray.

He’s been unbelievable,” Day said back in August. “I mean, he has a good plan when he gets out there. Doesn't want to get his hand held. I've been impressed with his approach. And like I said before, he's got a really, really bright future. I mean, how fast he gets on the field will be just kind of up to him.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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