As the dust settles on a thrilling national championship season, the spotlight now turns to the future of the Ohio State Buckeyes. With Will Howard having led the team to glory, the search for his successor is heating up. Three talented quarterbacks are vying for the coveted starting position, and head coach Ryan Day is ready to share insights on what fans can expect as spring practice approaches.
The battle for the QB1 spot
The competition is set to be fierce, with Lincoln Kienholz, Julian Sayin, and incoming freshman Tavien St. Clair all in the mix. Day has made it clear that the race for the starting quarterback job is wide open, and he’s eager to see how each player rises to the challenge. “It’ll be a very fierce competition,” Day stated. “We’re excited to see those guys compete. We’ll chart everything, and everything will be a competition.”
A look at the contenders
So, who are these quarterbacks competing for the spotlight? Kienholz made his way to Columbus in 2023, appearing in three games, including a bowl matchup against Missouri after Devin Brown went down with an injury. Although he didn’t throw a pass this past season, his experience could prove invaluable as he steps into a more significant role.
Then there’s Julian Sayin, who joined the Buckeyes after transferring from Alabama. A former Five Star Plus+ recruit, Sayin was ranked as the No. 8 overall player in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. His pedigree and experience in a high-pressure environment could be a game-changer for Ohio State.
Finally, we have Tavien St. Clair, the crown jewel of Ohio State’s recruiting class. Ranked as the No. 4 overall player and the No. 3 quarterback from the 2025 cycle, St. Clair is expected to make a significant impact. His arrival adds another layer of excitement to the competition.
Coach Day’s vision for the future
As the quarterbacks prepare to battle it out, Coach Day has shared his thoughts on what it takes to step into Howard’s shoes. “I’ve shared with those guys – especially with Lincoln and Julian, who were there last year – you got a chance to see a guy lead at a high level,” he explained. “When the national championship’s over, that’s it, Will’s done. His time’s done here. Now, you have to take it over.”
Day emphasized the importance of adapting to the new role: “You have to walk different, you’ve got to move different. You have to practice different. Everything like that. This is an opportunity now for these guys to take it and run.” With the pressure on, the quarterbacks will need to showcase not just their skills but also their leadership abilities.
New offensive coordinator on board
Adding to the intrigue is the arrival of new offensive coordinator Brian Hartline, who will also take over play-calling duties. With a fresh perspective and new strategies, Hartline’s influence could be pivotal in shaping the team’s offensive identity. The quarterback decision will be crucial as the Buckeyes aim to defend their title, and Hartline’s approach will undoubtedly play a significant role in that journey.
Spring practice expectations
As spring practice looms, anticipation is building around how this competition will unfold. Day expects significant growth from all three quarterbacks as they vie for the starting spot. “I feel like we’re going to need everybody, but I feel like there will be a lot of growth coming out of the spring,” he said. “It’s one thing when you’re a backup. It’s another thing when you’re actually running it.”
With the stakes high and the competition fierce, fans can expect an electrifying spring practice. Each quarterback will have the chance to prove their mettle, and the excitement surrounding this battle will only intensify as the season approaches.
The road ahead
As Ohio State gears up for the upcoming season, the question remains: who will emerge as the starting quarterback? With Kienholz, Sayin, and St. Clair all bringing unique talents to the table, the competition promises to be one for the ages. The Buckeyes are not just looking for a player to fill Howard’s shoes; they are searching for a leader who can guide the team to new heights.
As spring practice kicks off, fans will be watching closely to see how each contender performs. Will Kienholz leverage his experience? Can Sayin adapt quickly to his new surroundings? Will St. Clair shine as a freshman? The answers will unfold in the coming weeks, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating season of college football.
