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Will Howard Reveals Who Should Be the Next Starting QB at Ohio State

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By J.C. Shelton | Last updated Mar 20, 2025 12:04 PM ET

As Ohio State prepares for a major change at quarterback after securing a national championship, former Buckeyes' starting quarterback Will Howard made his thoughts known on who should take the mantel in 2025.

Howard is off to the 2025 NFL Draft after the biggest season of his career. Not only did the Kansas State transfer post career numbers, he also led Ohio State to the promised land in his first year with the Buckeyes.

Howard finished first in the Big Ten in passing yards (4,010) and passing touchdowns (35) to 10 interceptions. He also took home national championship MVP honors for his efforts in the 34-23 win over Notre Dame.

Head coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes won't have the level of experience at quarterback next season like they did with Howard. However, there is a talented group of passers in the mix to leave their own mark with the program.

As Howard spoke with reporters at the NFL combine last month in Indianapolis, he gave a confident pick for who should be his predecessor.

"Now it's his time," Howard said of redshirt freshman Julian Sayin.

The former five-star recruit transferred from Alabama after Nick Saban retired in January of last year. Sayin (6-foot-1, 203 pounds) was rated as the No. 1 quarterback and the No. 6 overall player in the class of 2024 (247Sports) when coming out of Carlsbad (California) High School.

Sayin, who appeared in four games last season, does have some intriguing competition for the starting role, including junior Lincoln Kienholz and freshman Tavien St. Clair.

Kienholz (6-foot-3, 207 pounds) was the No. 11 quarterback and a four-star recruit in the class of 2023, while St. Clair signed with Ohio State in the 2025 cycle as a five-star recruit and the No. 3 passer.

Although Sayin hasn't been named the starter just yet, it appears that he is already preparing for the mental fortitude it takes to lead a team with some lofty expectations.

“I saw that last year how much noise there is, but you have to block out the noise," Sayin said on Wednesday. "I'm just focused on spring practice and just getting better every day.”

Ohio State will open the season at home against Texas on Aug. 30 in a rematch of the Cotton Bowl playoff semifinal.

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

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