Spring football is always ripe with overreactions and speculation. From freshmen phenoms to depth chart battles, the annual intra-squad scrimmage gives fans and analysts alike their first glimpse into what a team might look like come fall. For Ohio State, the 2025 spring game didn’t just provide a glimpse—it may have offered clarity at the most important position on the field: quarterback.
With the departure of Kyle McCord and an offseason quarterback battle looming large in Columbus, all eyes were on the Buckeyes’ QB room this spring. The competition, one of the most scrutinized in the nation, featured a fascinating mix of youth, experience, and raw talent. Following Saturday’s spring showcase in the Horseshoe, it’s clear the Buckeyes have reasons to be confident in the duo of freshman Julian Sayin and redshirt freshman Lincoln Kienholz.
But is the quarterback room truly settled? Or is this a case of spring optimism waiting to be tested by the unforgiving realities of Big Ten football?
Let’s take a deep dive into the state of the Ohio State QB room, the implications of the spring game, and what it means for the Buckeyes’ national title aspirations.
The Context: Life After McCord
Kyle McCord’s transfer to Syracuse left a vacuum at quarterback that many assumed would be filled by an experienced transfer or an already-established talent. But Ryan Day, widely regarded as one of college football’s premier quarterback developers, has instead turned inward. Despite bringing in Kansas State’s Will Howard through the portal, the spring game left many wondering if the Buckeyes’ future—and perhaps their present—rests on the arms of Sayin and Kienholz.
Day’s approach appears to prioritize long-term development over short-term fixes. That philosophy makes sense for a program loaded with offensive talent and a defense capable of carrying its weight under coordinator Jim Knowles. But for a fan base hungry for a national title, the quarterback position cannot be left to chance.
Enter Sayin and Kienholz.
Julian Sayin: Calm Beyond His Years
Julian Sayin was one of the most highly-touted quarterback recruits in the 2024 class, flipping late from Alabama to Ohio State. In just a few months, Sayin has already started to look the part. Saturday’s spring game confirmed what many insiders have been saying all spring—Sayin is legit.
The freshman displayed incredible poise in the pocket, a compact and quick release, and impressive anticipation on intermediate throws. Completing 14 of 20 passes for 182 yards and two touchdowns, Sayin wasn’t just serviceable—he was sensational.
More impressive than his stats, however, was the command with which he operated the offense. He went through progressions like a veteran, avoided turnovers, and led two long touchdown drives with surgical precision.
His chemistry with star wideout Emeka Egbuka and early-enrollee Jeremiah Smith was impossible to ignore. At one point in the second quarter, Sayin orchestrated a 12-play, 75-yard drive that culminated in a beautiful 24-yard back-shoulder throw to Smith in the end zone. It was a throw few true freshmen would even attempt, much less complete.
Ryan Day was glowing in his postgame remarks.
“Julian’s development has been ahead of schedule. He’s mature, understands the offense, and has that ‘it’ factor you can’t coach,” Day said.
Lincoln Kienholz: The Steady Risetime
While Sayin’s emergence is the flashiest headline, Lincoln Kienholz’s consistency may be equally important.
The former four-star recruit from South Dakota impressed throughout spring ball and solidified that momentum with a rock-solid performance in the spring game. Kienholz finished 12-of-17 for 165 yards and a touchdown, showcasing excellent footwork, accuracy, and mobility.
Where Sayin’s game is built on timing and rhythm, Kienholz brings a dual-threat element that gives the offense an added wrinkle. Several designed quarterback runs kept the defense honest and opened up passing lanes downfield.
It was also Kienholz’s decision-making that stood out. He rarely forced throws, checked into the right plays when under pressure, and demonstrated growth from last year when he saw limited action behind McCord.
“Lincoln’s been steady all spring,” said offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. “He makes smart decisions and continues to improve his comfort level in the pocket. The competition is making both him and Julian better.”
What About Will Howard?
Will Howard transferred in from Kansas State with the expectation that he would compete—and likely win—the starting job. However, his spring game performance didn’t match the buzz that accompanied his arrival.
Howard struggled with accuracy and timing, finishing 10-of-19 for 129 yards and one interception. While it’s not fair to judge a veteran quarterback entirely off one scrimmage, his lack of command stood in stark contrast to the poise shown by Sayin and Kienholz.
Howard brings value—experience, leadership, and a strong frame suited for QB sneaks and short-yardage situations—but it’s hard to envision him being the starter come September if his spring struggles continue into the summer.
That said, his presence remains critical to the room. In a long season, with injuries and attrition always a possibility, Howard provides a security blanket that most teams would envy.
The Buckeye Arsenal: A Quarterback’s Best Friend
No matter who wins the quarterback job, they’ll be surrounded by elite talent. Wide receivers Emeka Egbuka, Carnell Tate, and Jeremiah Smith form what might be the best trio in the country. Tight end Jelani Thurman has also emerged as a legitimate pass-catching threat.
The offensive line, led by returning starters Donovan Jackson and Josh Fryar, has improved in pass protection, and the running game features TreVeyon Henderson, Quinshon Judkins (the Ole Miss transfer), and Dallan Hayden—a trio that gives the Buckeyes the versatility to keep defenses guessing.
With that kind of support system, a young quarterback doesn’t need to play hero ball. They just need to be efficient, smart, and take what the defense gives them.
Ryan Day and Chip Kelly: QB Whisperers United
One of the more under-the-radar stories of the offseason was the arrival of Chip Kelly as Ohio State’s new offensive coordinator. A longtime head coach and offensive innovator, Kelly’s partnership with Ryan Day has already yielded visible results.
Sayin and Kienholz benefit from two elite quarterback minds mentoring them daily. The offense now includes more motion, play-action bootlegs, and read-option elements—concepts that both QBs are comfortable executing.
This dual influence from Day and Kelly gives Ohio State’s quarterbacks a massive developmental edge over their competition. It’s no coincidence that both Sayin and Kienholz showed significant growth during spring practices.
Depth and Development: A New Era
One major advantage Ohio State holds over most programs is the depth and quality of its quarterback room. In addition to Sayin, Kienholz, and Howard, the Buckeyes also brought in Air Noland, a talented left-handed quarterback from Georgia. Though he didn’t get many snaps in the spring game, Noland showed flashes of athleticism and a strong arm during practices.
The depth creates a healthy environment of competition while providing insurance against injury. But it also presents challenges. If Sayin or Kienholz clearly pulls ahead, does one of the others consider transferring? In today’s portal-driven landscape, it’s a reality that every elite program must face.
Ryan Day, however, seems focused on building not just for 2025, but for sustained success beyond.
“We want a culture where competition breeds excellence,” Day said. “And we feel really good about the guys in our room right now.”
Is the QB Room Settled?
So, is Ohio State’s quarterback situation completely resolved?
The short answer: Not yet.
The longer, more nuanced answer: It’s getting close.
Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz have emerged as the front-runners. Sayin brings elite upside and looks like a future Heisman contender. Kienholz offers steadiness, mobility, and toughness. If the decision were based purely on spring game performance, it would be hard to argue against handing the keys to Sayin.
But Ryan Day isn’t in a rush. He understands the value of letting the process unfold. With summer workouts, fall camp, and a full offseason ahead, the Buckeyes can afford to let this competition play out a little longer.
Still, for a team with national championship aspirations, the spring game offered something invaluable—peace of mind. For all the uncertainty that followed McCord’s departure, the Buckeyes now know they have not one, but two capable quarterbacks ready to lead.
Final Thoughts: A Buckeye Renaissance?
Ohio State’s 2025 season will be defined by much more than who plays quarterback. The defense is stacked, the skill positions are loaded, and the coaching staff is as innovative as it’s ever been. But make no mistake—the performance of Sayin and Kienholz this spring might be the most encouraging development of all.
It’s rare to see a true freshman quarterback look as polished as Sayin did on Saturday. It’s equally rare for a redshirt freshman like Kienholz to show such composure and growth. Together, they’ve turned what once looked like a question mark into a potential strength.
The Buckeyes still have decisions to make, and the battle isn’t over. But for now, Ohio State fans can exhale.