BREAKING NEWS: Ohio State Coach Discusses QB Battle for Reigning National Champions
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has shed light on one of the most pivotal storylines heading into the 2025 season: who will succeed Will Howard under center after the veteran quarterback’s departure to the NFL following the Buckeyes’ national championship run. With Howard paving the way to the title, Day’s candid remarks about the open competition among Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz, and Tavien St. Clair offer crucial insight into his process, expectations, and timeline.
Coach Day admitted that he still doesn’t have clarity on who will emerge as the starter. “I would say there’s times where I’ve gone into this part of the season feeling like I know or have a feeling on where it’s going. I don’t right now,” Day said during an appearance on The Bobby Carpenter Show (SI). The quarterback room is intentionally deep and competitive, but no candidate has yet separated himself definitively in Day’s assessment.
Julian Sayin, a former five-star recruit who transferred from Alabama, is widely considered the frontrunner. But Day refused to give any edge, stating simply, “Julian and Lincoln have both done some really good things in the offseason… we gotta go play football, and that’s to me the wild card in all this” (. According to Day, the deciding factor will come down to readiness under game pressure: red zone execution, third-down decisions, ball security, and leadership.
That leadership component is especially critical. Day emphasized the intangible expectations: being the hardest worker in the building, responding quickly to mistakes, and showing relentless effort in meetings, workouts, and walkthroughs. All three contenders are in different phases of their development—Kienholz with the most experience, Sayin with high ceiling, and St. Clair in early growth mode—but the coach remains laser-focused on growth and grit .
Quarterbacks coach Billy Fessler echoed Day’s message, putting the competition into perspective: “I think we’re a long way away from even talking about how close it is… right now, those three guys are really just focused on getting better every single time they step in this building” ). Despite glimpses of promise from all three, Fessler tempered expectations and reiterated that consistency—not isolated highlights—will determine the outcome.
Tavien St. Clair, a five-star recruit in the 2025 class, remains behind his peers in experience and familiarity with the system. Day acknowledged his potential—calling him a “bright future”—but made it clear that St. Clair needs time to grow through the preseason and early season games .
Between Kienholz and Sayin, the battle is tighter. Kienholz remains the veteran of the group after three years in the program. He has appeared in limited games but carries a steady familiarity with the offense. Sayin, though newer, brings advanced arm talent and drive after transferring from Alabama. Day has praised both players for their physical and mental progress during offseason camp. “The ball’s coming out of their hands good right now,” he said of both (.
Day has set a timeline: a final decision won’t be made until mid-August. He emphasized summer as the last opportunity for each candidate to make a leap—physically, emotionally, mentally, and in leadership. “I like their progress… but that will all be decided in August,” Day revealed in a Lettermen Row interview
Fans have weighed in through surveys and forums, with many expressing confidence in Sayin. According to a Land-Grant Holy Land fan poll, Sayin is the perceived front-runner — though they anticipate Day will not name a starter until fall practice 《spring game predictions》 ( Reddit commentary reflects a similar sentiment: Sayin appears ahead, but Kienholz remains a legitimate contender, and St. Clair is still viewed as developing his potentia
Ohio State quarterback room strength goes beyond the individual — wide receiver Jeremiah Smith commented, “It really doesn’t matter who is the quarterback… Whoever it is, is going to have a great career and great season” . The Buckeyes return elite playmakers, a stalwart offensive line unit freshly invigorated by new coaching, and defensive strength that protects against growing pains behind center.
Development stories also play into Day’s approach. Sayin has worked to build leadership traits reminiscent of former starter Will Howard, who led Ohio State to the title with poise and faith. Sayin has studied Howard’s approach and intends to emulate his ability to connect with teammates across the locker room (.
Lincoln Kienholz, meanwhile, has grown into a more physical, consistent presence after adding strength to his frame and embracing a leadership role. He understands that experience matters, and Day has lauded his preparation and maturation in practices and meetings
Meanwhile, Tavien St. Clair has soaked in the environment since arriving as an early enrollee. Despite being third on the depth chart, Day believes St. Clair will learn significantly during his first season and be ready to contribute when called upon .
Ryan Day and new offensive coordinator Brian Hartline are navigating their first full year together. Hartline now handles play-calling duties, while Day continues to oversee broader decisions. Ensuring the quarterback is ready to handle that autonomy and pace is central to Day’s process heading into fall camp .
With the season opener set as a rematch against Texas on August 30, all eyes are on which signal-caller will guide the offense. Whoever starts, they’ll inherit a national champion’s expectations: avoid turnovers, execute in critical moments, and lead with authority. That challenge lies at the heart of Day’s evaluation criteria.
The narrative of replacing a national championship–winning quarterback is never easy. Yet Day’s process underscores his belief in competition, preparation, and letting the best leader emerge. If Sayin steps forward and excels, it affirms the decision to pursue him. If Kienholz rises with consistency, loyalty to internal development is rewarded. And if St. Clair shows enough through summer and fall, the future grows even brighter for the program.
On balance, Day’s message is clear: there is no heir apparent until proven in meaningful situations. Fans may have favorites, and polls may lean one way, but at Ohio State, and under Day’s watch, earning the job matters more than claiming it. Come mid-August, when the decision is made, the Buckeyes will not just have a quarterback—they will have one who has earned it the hard way.
