As the Ohio State Buckeyes gear up for the 2025 college football season, all eyes are on the intense quarterback competition unfolding in Columbus. Redshirt sophomore Lincoln Kienholz and redshirt freshman Julian Sayin find themselves in a dead heat for the starting position, with head coach Ryan Day indicating that the battle is likely to extend beyond spring practices. This closely contested race underscores the depth of talent within the Buckeyes’ quarterback room and sets the stage for a compelling offseason narrative.
Julian Sayin’s journey to Ohio State has been marked by high expectations and notable achievements. Hailing from Carlsbad, California, Sayin was a unanimous five-star recruit and widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2024 class. His high school career was distinguished by impressive statistics, including 7,824 passing yards, 85 touchdowns, and only 10 interceptions. Sayin’s senior year saw him throw for 2,347 yards and 24 touchdowns with a mere one interception, leading Carlsbad High School to its fifth consecutive Avocado League title. His accolades include being named the Most Valuable Player at the 2023 Elite 11 Finals and selections to prestigious events like the Under Armour All-America Game and the Polynesian Bowl.
Sayin’s transition to college football was unconventional. Initially enrolling at Alabama in January 2024, he entered the transfer portal shortly thereafter and joined Ohio State. Despite the mid-year move, Sayin quickly assimilated into the Buckeyes’ system, participating in spring drills and demonstrating a strong grasp of the offense. Throughout his freshman season, he served as the third-string quarterback, gaining valuable experience and earning praise for his quick decision-making and understanding of the game. Reflecting on his development, Sayin credited head coach Ryan Day and then-offensive coordinator Chip Kelly for their guidance, stating, “I think I’ve grown a lot in just understanding more about the game and seeing the game in a different way.”
Lincoln Kienholz’s path to this pivotal moment has been characterized by perseverance and versatility. A native of Pierre, South Dakota, Kienholz was a standout three-sport athlete at T.F. Riggs High School, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball. His senior year football statistics were remarkable, with 3,422 passing yards, 46 passing touchdowns, 1,436 rushing yards, and 24 rushing touchdowns, setting the South Dakota state record for career passing yards. Despite these achievements, Kienholz’s recruitment was relatively under the radar, and he committed to Ohio State late in the 2023 recruiting cycle.
Kienholz’s collegiate career has been a study in patience and determination. As a true freshman, he saw limited action, appearing in three games and completing 10 of 22 passes for 111 yards. His sophomore season was similarly quiet, with Kienholz serving as the fourth-string quarterback behind Will Howard, Devin Brown, and Julian Sayin. Despite the limited playing time, Kienholz remained committed to his development and the team’s success. When faced with the possibility of transferring for more immediate playing opportunities, he expressed a strong desire to stay and compete, stating, “I love Ohio State, and I would love to stay here.”
The departures of Will Howard to the NFL and Devin Brown to the University of California have reshaped the Buckeyes’ quarterback room, thrusting Kienholz and Sayin into the spotlight. Both players have embraced the competition, recognizing the opportunity to lead one of college football’s premier programs. Kienholz, now the most experienced quarterback on the roster, has taken on a leadership role, emphasizing the importance of guiding the younger players and fostering a collaborative environment. He noted, “Now, I’m the oldest guy in the room. So, I kind of feel that now and I kind of feel more confident. And I feel like I need to be a leader for the quarterbacks.”
Sayin, for his part, has maintained a focused and methodical approach to the competition. He has prioritized personal growth and consistency, aiming to build on the foundation laid during his freshman year. Sayin’s commitment to improvement is evident in his offseason goals, which include adding muscle mass and enhancing his understanding of the offense. He expressed a desire to “get with Coach Mick in the weight room and just continue to see myself grow,” highlighting his dedication to physical and mental development.
The coaching staff, led by head coach Ryan Day and newly appointed quarterbacks coach Billy Fessler, has been deliberate in its evaluation process. Fessler described the competition as “wide open,” emphasizing that all three scholarship quarterbacks, including true freshman Tavien St. Clair, will have the opportunity to earn the starting role. This approach reflects a commitment to meritocracy and ensures that the eventual starter has truly earned the position through performance and leadership.
As spring practices progress, the competition between Sayin and Kienholz has intensified, with neither player emerging as the clear frontrunner. Both quarterbacks have showcased their strengths—Sayin’s precision and quick decision-making, and Kienholz’s athleticism and dual-threat capabilities. The coaching staff has been encouraged by their development, noting that the competition has elevated the overall performance of the offense.
The battle for the starting quarterback position is expected to extend into fall camp, providing both players with additional opportunities to stake their claim. For Sayin and Kienholz, this competition represents more than just a chance to start; it is an opportunity to lead a storied program and leave an indelible mark on Ohio State football. Their mutual respect and shared commitment to excellence have fostered a healthy rivalry, one that promises to benefit the Buckeyes as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season.
In the high-stakes