Projected $1.1 Million Ohio State QB Dealt Concerning Update

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dibyendu Mondal | Last updated May 13, 2025 5:31 PM ET

The Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback battle has been one of the main focuses for both management and fans. Julian Sayin was the front-runner for the QB1 role, but the five-star signal-caller was dealt concerning news.

Sayin was the top performer in the Spring game, tallying 175 yards and a touchdown pass. But Lincoln Kienholz has looked better than him during practice sessions.

Pete Nakos of On3 writes , "Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has already come out and said this is a two-horse race between Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz. And at times, Kienholz, the rising junior, has looked like the better of the two."

Sayin, who holds a projected $1.1 million NIL valuation, still has some time to improve his throw.

"The Buckeyes’ starting quarterback battle will carry over into fall camp and be a top headline ahead of the Week 1 showdown with Texas." Nakos wrote on Monday.

Julian Sayin has one of the PRETTIEST releases college football has ever seen.

Sayin was reportedly the “talk of the NFL Combine” amongst Ohio State players, despite not being named QB1 yet.

One Big Ten coach believes Sayin has the potential to the best QB in the Big Ten in his… pic.twitter.com/WpJPfLQ2Bi
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) March 12, 2025

"Behind the scenes, leading into spring practice, sources were high on Julian Sayin’s quick release and arm. But the former five-star recruit had an up-and-down spring camp, struggling at times." He added.

Tavien St. Clair, another member of the engine room, is out of the race because of his lack of experience.

He will probably get some playing time in the upcoming season to get up to speed with Buckeye tactics.

Right now, the sources favor Kienholz for the main man under center. It remains to be seen whether it stays that way or something changes before the season opener with Texas on August 30.

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

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