Ryan Day has a clear vision for the future of the Ohio State football program, especially with the quarterback position. Following a national championship season, the Buckeyes are gearing up for 2025, and Day is confident that the talent already in the room is more than capable of stepping up. With Will Howard heading to the NFL, speculation about a transfer quarterback has arisen, but Day is looking to build from within.
Building from Within
Day, known for his exceptional skills in developing quarterbacks, emphasized that the current roster is where the Buckeyes will focus their efforts. While he hasn’t completely ruled out the possibility of bringing in a transfer, the message is clear: the competition will come from the players already on the team.
“We have some good quarterbacks in the system,” Day stated during an interview on 97.1 The Fan. “These guys are going to compete their tail off.” This competitive spirit is exactly what Day is looking for as he prepares for the upcoming season.
Exciting Talent on the Roster
So, who are these quarterbacks vying for the starting position? The expected contenders include Julian Sayin, Lincoln Keinholz, and five-star freshman Tavien St. Clair. Among these talented players, many believe Sayin is the frontrunner for the starting job in 2025. However, St. Clair’s impressive skills could make him a strong contender for playing time, if not the starting role itself.
With such talent in the quarterback room, the competition is bound to be fierce. Day has made it clear that he expects all the quarterbacks to return with a renewed sense of purpose. “When you guys come back in about two weeks, you gotta look different, you gotta walk different, you gotta act different,” he said. “Because now you’re fighting to become the starting quarterback at Ohio State.”
Support from Key Players
The Buckeyes will also benefit from the return of talented wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. His presence will undoubtedly make life easier for whoever ends up throwing the football. With a strong offensive system in place, Ohio State is well-positioned to continue their success.
Day has credited offensive coordinator Chip Kelly for the significant improvements in their offensive play this past season. “Very excited to see a big smile on his face after the game,” Day remarked about Kelly. “For him to come and leave the head coaching position to come work with me meant a lot.”
Kelly’s experience and mentorship have been invaluable to Day, who acknowledges that he wouldn’t be where he is today without Kelly’s guidance. “He has just a great feel for the game,” Day added. “He really helped me this year, and I spent more time outside of the quarterback room.”
The Importance of Leadership
As the Buckeyes prepare for the upcoming season, Day is keenly aware of the importance of leadership, especially at the quarterback position. He shared that the week leading up to the national championship game was a crucial learning experience for the quarterbacks. “You had an opportunity to watch,” he said, encouraging them to utilize that experience to grow as leaders.
Day’s focus on developing leadership qualities in his quarterbacks is indicative of his overall coaching philosophy. He wants his players to not only excel on the field but also to embody the characteristics of a true leader. This emphasis on leadership will be key as the team moves forward.
Looking Ahead
As the Buckeyes gear up for the 2025 season, the excitement is palpable. The combination of a talented quarterback room, a returning star receiver, and a strong offensive system under Kelly sets the stage for what could be another thrilling season in Columbus.
With Day at the helm, the Buckeyes are not just looking to fill a position; they are cultivating a culture of competition and excellence. The upcoming weeks will be crucial as players return and the battle for the starting quarterback position heats up.
In a program with such a storied history, the anticipation for the next chapter is electric. Will it be Sayin, Keinholz, or St. Clair who rises to the occasion? One thing is for sure: the competition will be fierce, and the future of Ohio State football looks bright. The Buckeyes are ready to roll, and fans can’t wait to see who will take the reins as the next leader of this powerhouse program.
