Surprising News Emerges on Ohio State's Starting Quarterback Battle

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dave Holcomb | Last updated May 13, 2025 8:13 PM ET

The Ohio State Buckeyes have a former five-star quarterback with some experience on their roster ready to replace departed Will Howard. But it's not a foregone conclusion that ex-five-star prospect will earn the starting job.

On Tuesday, On3's Pete Nakos named the Buckeyes quarterback competition one of the top battles behind center to watch this summer.

"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," Nakos wrote. "He also had one of his best practices during the spring game, finishing the day 17 of 24 passing for 175 yards and a touchdown throw to tight end Max Klare.

"Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has already come out and said this is a two-horse race between Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz."

Not only will there be competition at football's most important position for the defending champions, but Nakos suggested Julian Sayin might not be the favorite to land the job.

At times, Kienholz, the rising junior, has looked like the better of the two," Nakos added. "The Buckeyes' starting quarterback battle will carry over into fall camp and be a top headline ahead of the Week 1 showdown with Texas."

Ohio State QB Julian Sayin has some of the nicest balls you will ever see pic.twitter.com/hyQOrXSNqA
— The Ohio State Cha❌pion (@buckeyehero1) April 17, 2025

Anything can happen in football, but it would be at least mildly surprising if Lincoln Kienholz wins the starting job ahead of Sayin.

Sayin came to Ohio State as a five-star recruit in the 2024 class. The quarterback appeared in four games while Kienholz didn't throw a pass last season.

As a freshman in 2023, Kienholz completed 10 of 22 passes for 111 yards.

Both Sayin and Kienholz are ahead of five-star freshman Tavien St. Clair on Ohio State's quarterback depth chart. Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day told reporters on April 7 that St. Clair "probably has the longest way to go" among the three quarterbacks because of his lack of experience.

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

More must-reads: