Ryan Day Sends Message on Ohio State's Heated Quarterback Competition

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dave Holcomb | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 7:30 PM ET

Ohio State Buckeyes football head coach Ryan Day is keeping his thoughts on the team's quarterback competition between Lincoln Kienholz and Julian Sayin close to the vest. But the national champion coach did reveal a little during a one-on-one interview with On3 about what's been happening behind center for the Buckeyes this offseason.

“All three quarterbacks are working hard,” he told On3's Spencer Holbrook on June 19. “The offseason is a great opportunity to change their bodies. The summer was really the last opportunity to make any type of transformation, physically, mentally, emotionally, leadership-wise, understanding the playbook.

“I won’t know what that all looks like until we get into August.”

Smart added what he's looking for in the team's 2025 quarterback starter.

“I think the ball is coming out of their hand well. I think they understand and have a good command of the offense," Ryan told Holbrook. "But ultimately it’s going to be who makes good decisions, who keeps the routine plays routine and then who moves the offense and is the leader and is tough.

"The thing about Will is he was tough. He had command of the offense.”

Another Ohio State QB Lincoln Kienholz dime!! You have to get to the Spring Game and watch these QBs battle!! pic.twitter.com/AqaCHCwqBw
— Buckeye Backers (@BuckeyeBackers) April 5, 2025

Both Kienholz, who will be a redshirt sophomore, and Sayin, a redshirt freshman, were inconsistent during the spring. Holbrook reported Kienholz had stronger practices than Sayin, but the freshman was better in the spring game than his older counterpart.

The Buckeyes also have freshman Tavien St. Clair on the roster competing for quarterback repetitions. But he isn't expected to win the starting job.

Ohio State is trying to replace former transfer quarterback Will Howard. In one season with the program, Howard led the Buckeyes to a 14-2 record and a national championship.

Howard completed 73% of his passes for 4,010 passing yards and 35 touchdowns with 10 interceptions last season.

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

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