The Buckeyes’ quarterback throne isn’t just unclaimed—it’s under siege, and the battle to claim it has gripped Columbus with a tension that’s hard to ignore. The Ohio State football program, known for producing elite quarterbacks and fielding championship-caliber teams, finds itself in the middle of a rare situation where the presumed starter is far from a lock. Ryan Day’s latest update didn’t just provide clarity; it sent shockwaves through the Buckeye community. Julian Sayin, the golden-armed freshman many believed would effortlessly inherit the job, is facing fierce, unrelenting competition from Lincoln Kienholz, the redshirt sophomore who has spent the offseason proving he belongs in the conversation.
For months, fans, analysts, and even players assumed the quarterback situation was settled before it even began. Sayin’s high school résumé was as decorated as they come—a five-star recruit, MVP honors in elite competitions, a quarterback pedigree that screamed “future NFL star.” His arrival in Columbus came with a wave of hype that drowned out nearly all other quarterback talk. Many saw him as the kind of generational talent who would walk onto the practice field and immediately solidify himself as QB1, ending the conversation before it started. But the reality on the ground this preseason has been anything but a coronation.
Across the practice field from Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz is rewriting the narrative. Every snap, every throw, every rep has been a statement—a refusal to be overlooked. Kienholz’s trajectory hasn’t been as flashy. Coming into Ohio State as a less-heralded prospect, he spent last year in the background, developing behind veterans and waiting for an opportunity. Now, that patience is paying off. His arm talent, decision-making, and poise under pressure have forced Ryan Day to keep the competition open far longer than most imagined. In fact, Day’s public comments suggest that the decision isn’t just close—it’s excruciatingly difficult.
The tension is only amplified by the ticking clock. Ten days. That’s all that remains before the Buckeyes step onto the field for their season opener against Texas, one of the most anticipated matchups in college football’s early slate. Ten days for Day and his coaching staff to determine who will lead the offense, command the huddle, and shoulder the weight of Ohio State’s national championship aspirations. For the quarterbacks, those ten days might as well be ten rounds in a heavyweight fight. The stakes aren’t just about this season—they’re about the trajectory of their careers, the identity of the offense, and the leadership of one of college football’s most storied programs.
What makes this duel so captivating is that it’s more than just a clash of skill sets—it’s a battle of mental fortitude and leadership presence. Sayin’s strength lies in his precision and natural arm talent. His deep ball is a thing of beauty, dropping into the hands of receivers with effortless accuracy. He processes defenses quickly, showing flashes of the field vision that made him so coveted. But while his talent is undeniable, the transition to the college game has exposed challenges—faster defensive backs, tighter throwing windows, and the need to adjust protections on the fly.
Kienholz, on the other hand, is thriving in areas where experience counts. Having spent a year absorbing the playbook and learning the nuances of the system, he’s operating with a level of comfort that’s hard to ignore. His throws may not always have the same highlight-reel flair as Sayin’s, but his consistency and command of the offense have made him a steadying presence in practice. Coaches have noted his ability to rally teammates, his willingness to make the tough throws in traffic, and his knack for keeping plays alive under pressure. Those qualities, while less glamorous than raw arm talent, can often be the difference in high-stakes games.
Ryan Day finds himself in a familiar yet uniquely high-pressure position. Quarterback competitions are part of the coaching landscape, but the margin for error at Ohio State is razor-thin. The program’s standard is nothing short of a national championship run, and anything less is viewed as falling short. Choosing the wrong quarterback could mean missed opportunities, offensive inconsistency, and the kind of second-guessing that lingers for an entire season. For Day, the decision must balance the immediate goal of winning now with the long-term vision for the program’s future.
What complicates matters further is the dynamic in the locker room. Quarterbacks aren’t just playmakers—they’re leaders, tone-setters, and, in many ways, the face of the team. Whichever way Day leans, the choice must be one that unites the locker room, not divides it. Early reports suggest that both Sayin and Kienholz have the respect of their teammates, but it’s inevitable that friendships, practice reps, and personal biases could shape opinions behind closed doors. A divided locker room could derail even the most talented roster.
From a fan perspective, the storyline is irresistible. Ohio State fans are no strangers to quarterback battles, but this one feels different because of the personalities involved. Sayin is the prodigy—a symbol of the Buckeyes’ recruiting power and a reminder that they can attract the best of the best from anywhere in the country. Kienholz is the grinder—the developmental success story who has put in the work and is now standing toe-to-toe with the blue-chip recruit. It’s the classic underdog-versus-anointed-one narrative, and no matter how it ends, it will be remembered for years to come.
The national media has taken notice as well. Analysts are dissecting every snippet of practice footage, every passing chart, and every comment from Day as if decoding the outcome of this competition is a matter of national importance. Some see the delay in naming a starter as a sign that Kienholz has already exceeded expectations to the point where pulling the trigger on Sayin is no longer a safe bet. Others believe Day is simply letting the battle play out to push both quarterbacks to their limits before ultimately going with the higher-upside choice.
One factor that looms large is the schedule. Opening against Texas is no small task—this isn’t a warm-up game against an overmatched opponent. It’s a high-profile clash against a top-10 team with a defense capable of exposing any offensive weaknesses. Whoever wins the job will have to step into the spotlight immediately, with no margin for error. A shaky performance could cost Ohio State not just a game, but also valuable playoff positioning. For that reason, Day might lean toward the quarterback who offers the most stability in high-pressure moments, even if that means sacrificing some big-play potential.
From a schematic standpoint, the choice could also influence the way Ohio State’s offense operates in 2025. Sayin’s skill set lends itself to a vertical passing attack that stretches defenses and creates explosive plays. If he’s the starter, expect the Buckeyes to push the ball downfield more often, relying on their talented wide receiver corps to win one-on-one matchups. Kienholz, meanwhile, offers a slightly different approach—one that emphasizes rhythm passing, sustained drives, and taking what the defense gives. That style could help control the tempo and keep the defense fresh, particularly against physical, ball-control teams like Michigan and Penn State.
In the end, the beauty of this competition is that it’s forcing both quarterbacks to elevate their games. Sayin can’t rely solely on his reputation; he has to prove he can adapt and execute against college-level defenses. Kienholz, knowing that every rep is an audition, is pushing himself to make the kind of throws and reads that leave no doubt in the coaches’ minds. The iron-sharpens-iron effect is real, and whichever quarterback emerges will be better for having gone through it.
Still, for all the positives, the clock is merciless. Ten days may seem like enough time on paper, but in reality, it’s a blink when it comes to preparing for a season opener of this magnitude. Day and his staff will likely use every available moment to evaluate, deliberate, and project how each quarterback will perform not just against Texas, but throughout the grueling Big Ten schedule. The decision will be made in meeting rooms, on practice fields, and in film sessions where every detail matters.
As those ten days dwindle, the rest of the roster continues to prepare, knowing that the outcome of this competition could shape the team’s identity. For the offensive line, it’s about building chemistry with the quarterback’s cadence and communication style. For the receivers, it’s about adjusting to timing, ball placement, and route preferences. For the defense, it’s about pushing both quarterbacks to their limits in practice to ensure whoever wins the job is battle-tested.
In many ways, this battle is a microcosm of what makes college football so compelling. It’s not just about talent—it’s about preparation, resilience, and seizing the moment when it arrives. For Sayin, the moment is about proving he’s not just hype, but substance. For Kienholz, it’s about turning opportunity into reality. And for Ryan Day, it’s about making a choice that could define not only the 2025 season but his legacy as a coach who knows how to develop and deploy quarterbacks at the highest level.
When the decision finally comes, it will be met with celebration, disappointment, and endless debate. But for now, the competition rages on, every throw carrying the weight of a season’s hopes, every rep a chance to tilt the scales. Ten days to decide the future of the Buckeyes. Ten days for one man to seize the throne—and for the other to find a way to keep the dream alive from the sideline. The siege is on, and Columbus is holding its breath.
