Ohio State’s mastery of the transfer portal last year was nothing short of spectacular. With the addition of Will Howard, the Buckeyes hit the jackpot, finding not just a quarterback but a leader who elevated the team to championship glory. Howard’s journey in Columbus, though brief, culminated in an unforgettable season that propelled him to the NFL. Now, as Howard exits the stage, head coach Ryan Day faces the daunting task of choosing Ohio State’s next field general—a quest that promises drama, grit, and no shortage of suspense.
For the fourth consecutive season, the Buckeyes are preparing to crown a new starting quarterback, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The spotlight is on Julian Sayin, a prodigious talent who transferred to Ohio State after Alabama’s legendary Nick Saban retired, reshaping the college football landscape. Sayin, a former five-star recruit and the nation’s No. 1 quarterback prospect, appears poised to take the reins. Yet, Ryan Day isn’t ready to anoint him just yet.
Speaking after Ohio State’s thrilling National Championship victory over Notre Dame, Day set the tone for what’s to come—a fiery competition that will test every fiber of his quarterbacks’ will to win.
“These guys are going to compete their tails off,” Day said with unwavering conviction. “We’ve got some incredibly talented quarterbacks in the system. I told them before the championship game, ‘This is your chance to observe what it takes. Watch closely because we’re looking for a leader—someone who embodies everything it means to be Ohio State’s quarterback.’”
Day didn’t mince words about his expectations for the offseason. The battle for the starting job begins not in the fall but the moment the players return to the grind in just a few weeks.
“When you guys come back, I expect to see a difference,” Day declared, his words brimming with intensity. “You’ve got to look different, walk different, act different—because you’re not just fighting for a job; you’re fighting to be the quarterback at Ohio State. The competition is going to be fierce, and I can’t wait to see who rises to the occasion.”
While Sayin is the presumed frontrunner, he won’t coast to the starting role without resistance. Lincoln Kienholz, a redshirt sophomore entering his third season with the Buckeyes, is quietly waiting in the wings. Though Kienholz has only seen limited action—completing 10-of-22 passes for 111 yards in his career—he’s armed with valuable experience and a hunger to prove he belongs in the spotlight.
The quarterback room at Ohio State has been a revolving door of excellence in recent years, with names like C.J. Stroud, Kyle McCord, and Will Howard each leaving their mark. Now, the baton is ready to be passed once again, and the spring practices are shaping up to be a battlefield where dreams are realized—or dashed.
Day’s track record with quarterbacks is nothing short of extraordinary. Under his guidance, Ohio State has consistently produced elite signal-callers who shine on the biggest stages. But 2025 presents a new challenge—a new chapter. Can Julian Sayin live up to the hype and carry the mantle, or will Kienholz—or perhaps another dark horse—emerge from the shadows to seize the crown?
One thing is certain: Ryan Day isn’t handing out the job on a silver platter. The next Buckeyes quarterback must earn it, every step of the way. And as the battle unfolds, the anticipation will only grow, with fans, analysts, and opponents all watching to see who will rise to claim the throne in Columbus.
The story of Ohio State’s next quarterback isn’t just about football; it’s about leadership, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. Buckle up—2025 is going to be a wild ride.
