Lincoln Kienholz and Julian Sayin stand at the center of what might be the most fascinating quarterback battle in recent Ohio State football history. With the Buckeyes entering the 2025 season poised to reclaim their status as a national powerhouse, all eyes are on the two young signal-callers vying to lead one of college football’s most loaded rosters. The stakes could not be higher, and the competition promises to shape not only the future of Ohio State football but also the larger College Football Playoff landscape.
The Buckeyes have recruited at an elite level for years, but the 2025 season feels different. After narrowly missing the College Football Playoff in 2024, head coach Ryan Day and newly promoted offensive coordinator Corey Dennis know the margin for error is razor-thin. They have a roster that includes a dominant defense, explosive playmakers on offense, and a veteran offensive line. The one question that remains unanswered—and that will define the campaign—is who will start under center.
Lincoln Kienholz enters the picture as the slightly more experienced option, having spent two seasons learning the system and getting limited reps in blowout wins and spring games. A former four-star recruit from South Dakota, Kienholz has steadily climbed the depth chart thanks to his strong arm, pocket awareness, and growing leadership presence. Coaches praise his work ethic and grasp of the offense, noting that his familiarity with the playbook and his ability to diagnose coverages give him a slight edge in readiness.
But then there’s Julian Sayin—the five-star California prodigy who transferred in from Alabama. Sayin was once considered the crown jewel of the Crimson Tide’s 2024 class, but the departure of Nick Saban and a coaching carousel in Tuscaloosa prompted him to look elsewhere for stability. Ohio State was quick to pounce, offering Sayin a fresh start in a program known for producing elite quarterbacks. Sayin’s arm talent is NFL-level, and his football IQ has drawn comparisons to former Buckeye greats like C.J. Stroud and Justin Fields.
While Sayin lacks the reps in Columbus that Kienholz has accumulated, his upside is undeniable. His performance in spring camp turned heads, and there were more than a few whispers inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center that he might be too good to keep off the field. Teammates have raved about his ball placement and calm demeanor, especially during pressure-packed scrimmages. One player reportedly said, “It’s like he’s been in this offense for years.”
Still, the decision is anything but simple. Kienholz may not be as flashy, but his intangibles—leadership, trust from teammates, and command of the locker room—cannot be overlooked. In practice, he’s been the more consistent of the two, rarely making mistakes and doing all the little things right. In many ways, he represents the safer option: a quarterback who can manage the game, make necessary throws, and lean on the Buckeyes’ exceptional supporting cast.
That supporting cast is one of the main reasons Ohio State could be a legitimate national title contender regardless of who wins the quarterback job. TreVeyon Henderson returns for another year in the backfield, bringing home-run ability and veteran presence to the offense. The wide receiver room remains elite, with names like Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss, and Jeremiah Smith giving Ohio State arguably the deepest and most talented group in the country. If the quarterback can simply distribute the ball efficiently and limit mistakes, the Buckeyes’ offense will be a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Defensively, Ohio State is expected to be as dominant as ever under Jim Knowles. With a veteran front seven and a secondary filled with future NFL Draft picks, the defense could carry the team through early-season growing pains at quarterback. This gives Ryan Day some flexibility—he doesn’t need a Heisman contender under center in Week 1. He needs someone who can grow into that role as the season progresses.
But make no mistake: the ceiling of this team will be defined by the quarterback position. In the modern era of college football, a great defense and elite skill players are no longer enough. To win a national championship, you need a quarterback who can make plays under pressure, deliver in the clutch, and put the team on his back when needed. That’s the pressure Kienholz and Sayin face as they prepare for fall camp.
The quarterback battle has also raised larger questions about Ryan Day’s legacy. Once considered one of the top offensive minds in college football, Day has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years after back-to-back losses to Michigan and an inability to win the big one in the postseason. While his recruiting classes remain among the nation’s best, fans and analysts alike are beginning to ask whether Day can translate talent into championships. His decision at quarterback could define not only this season, but his future in Columbus.
Sayin’s arrival was a bold move, signaling that the Buckeyes are all-in on competing for a title right now. It also sent a clear message to Kienholz and the rest of the quarterback room: competition is constant, and no job is safe. This culture of internal competition is something Day has cultivated since he took over the program, but this may be the most high-stakes quarterback competition of his tenure.
Beyond Kienholz and Sayin, there’s also a third name to keep an eye on—true freshman Tavien St. Clair. While not expected to start this year, St. Clair is the latest blue-chip addition to Ohio State’s quarterback pipeline. His presence adds even more pressure to the quarterback battle, as whoever wins the job in 2025 will have to perform well to fend off the talented newcomer in 2026. The margin for error is slim, and the leash may be short.
Off the field, both Kienholz and Sayin have embraced the spotlight. NIL opportunities have flooded in, with both players landing endorsement deals that reflect their growing national profiles. Yet neither has let the business of college football distract from the job at hand. According to teammates, both quarterbacks have stayed focused on preparation, film study, and bonding with their receivers.
As fall approaches, the quarterback battle remains too close to call. Day and Dennis will likely use the early weeks of the season to continue evaluating both players, potentially rotating them in early non-conference games before making a final decision. While such an approach risks disrupting offensive rhythm, it may be the only way to determine which quarterback truly gives the Buckeyes the best shot at a national title.
The fans, for their part, are split. Some prefer the upside of Sayin and believe his ceiling is simply too high to ignore. Others favor Kienholz and trust his experience, maturity, and steady hand. Social media debates have raged all offseason, and every practice rep is dissected in real-time by fans eager to see which quarterback will emerge.
Ultimately, this is a good problem for Ohio State to have. In an era where elite quarterbacks often transfer at the first sign of competition, the Buckeyes have managed to assemble and retain multiple blue-chip talents in the same room. It’s a testament to the program’s culture, recruiting success, and the promise of competing for national titles every year.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, one thing is clear: whether it’s Lincoln Kienholz or Julian Sayin who lines up under center in Week 1, Ohio State’s quarterback room is in capable hands. The competition will make both players better. And if either of them is as good as advertised, the Buckeyes won’t just be in the playoff conversation—they might just be the team to beat.
