The Ohio State quarterback position, long considered one of the most prestigious and scrutinized in college football, has suddenly become a battlefield filled with uncertainty, intensity, and high stakes. As the Buckeyes prepare to kickoff the 2025 season, what was expected to be a relatively straightforward succession plan has transformed into a gripping contest between two ambitious and talented young quarterbacks: Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz. Ryan Day, the head coach of Ohio State, recently delivered a startling update that has sent shockwaves through Columbus and the wider college football world. Despite being widely regarded as the golden-armed freshman and presumed QB1, Julian Sayin is far from a sure bet to lead the Buckeyes this year. Standing tall against him is Lincoln Kienholz, whose relentless performance in practice has made it impossible for Day to pick a clear favorite. With only ten days remaining until the season opener, the tension surrounding the quarterback competition is at an all-time high, and the stakes could not be greater for the future of Ohio State football.
For years, Ohio State has been a quarterback factory, producing NFL stars and Heisman contenders. The position carries not only the responsibility of leading the offense but also the burden of embodying the team’s identity and culture. With that tradition in mind, the spotlight on Sayin and Kienholz is intense. Sayin, a highly-touted recruit with a reputation for a powerful arm and excellent pocket presence, entered Columbus with expectations sky-high. Many analysts and fans alike considered him a lock to take over the reins immediately, viewing him as the next in a line of great Buckeye signal-callers. However, Day’s recent comments have challenged that narrative, suggesting that Sayin’s position as QB1 is anything but guaranteed.
Lincoln Kienholz, on the other hand, has quietly emerged as a formidable contender. His poise under pressure, accuracy, and leadership qualities during practice sessions have forced Ryan Day and his coaching staff to reconsider the depth chart. Kienholz’s rise has added a new layer of complexity to the quarterback race, creating a palpable sense of urgency and competition within the team. The dynamic between these two young men is not merely about physical talent but also mental toughness, adaptability, and readiness to shoulder the immense responsibility that comes with quarterbacking Ohio State.
The pressure on both quarterbacks is immense. With just ten days remaining before the Buckeyes take the field for their opening game, every practice, every snap, and every decision matters. Ryan Day’s approach to managing this competition has been cautious but clear: no player will be handed the starting job based on reputation or past performance alone. Instead, Day is demanding consistent excellence and leadership on and off the field. This philosophy speaks to the program’s broader culture, emphasizing meritocracy and resilience. The intense scrutiny also means that mistakes are magnified, and both Sayin and Kienholz must maintain focus despite the mounting pressure.
From the perspective of the team, this quarterback competition could be both a blessing and a challenge. On one hand, having two talented and driven players vying for the position can push the entire offense to elevate its performance. It creates a competitive environment where complacency is not tolerated. On the other hand, such a heated battle risks creating divisions or uncertainty within the locker room if not managed carefully. Ryan Day and his coaching staff must balance fostering competition with maintaining team unity and morale. The Buckeyes’ leadership knows that the quarterback decision will not just affect the game day lineup but the entire season’s trajectory.
Looking deeper at Julian Sayin, his journey to Ohio State has been one of high praise and expectations. A quarterback with a rocket arm and impressive mobility, Sayin’s recruitment was a major coup for the Buckeyes. His skill set fits the modern college football mold: the ability to make plays from the pocket and extend plays with his legs when needed. However, Ryan Day’s comments hint at areas where Sayin still needs to grow, such as reading defenses quickly under pressure and commanding the huddle with authority. The transition from high school phenom to starting quarterback in one of the nation’s premier programs is daunting, and Sayin is still adapting to the speed and complexity of college football defenses.
Meanwhile, Lincoln Kienholz’s emergence has been something of a surprise to outsiders but not to those within the Ohio State program who have watched his development closely. Kienholz, who may not have entered with the same fanfare as Sayin, has proven himself in practice by consistently making smart decisions, avoiding turnovers, and displaying leadership qualities that resonate with teammates. His ability to remain calm in the pocket and deliver precise throws under pressure has made it difficult for Ryan Day to overlook him. Kienholz’s path is a testament to perseverance and work ethic, traits that Ohio State prides itself on cultivating.
The coaching staff’s dilemma is how to decide who will lead the Buckeyes when the season starts. Each candidate brings unique strengths and some questions that remain unanswered. Ryan Day’s leadership style favors a quarterback who can execute the offense effectively while also inspiring confidence among teammates. The final decision will not be rushed but will come down to who can perform consistently in practice and demonstrate readiness in game-simulated situations. The pressure on both quarterbacks is intensified by the looming timeline — only ten days remain before the stakes are settled on the field.
This quarterback competition also reflects a broader theme in college football: the rise of true competitions at the position. No longer can coaches simply hand the job to a blue-chip recruit or experienced player without scrutiny. With transfer portal mobility and evolving offensive schemes, every practice and every decision is analyzed carefully. Ohio State’s quarterback battle exemplifies this trend, showcasing how intense and dynamic roster battles have become.
For the fans and the media, the unfolding drama is captivating. Social media buzzes with speculation, fan forums debate the merits of each quarterback, and analysts pour over every Ryan Day interview for hints about the decision. This attention adds another layer of pressure on both Sayin and Kienholz, as their every move is dissected. Yet, this spotlight can also be motivating, pushing both young men to rise above the noise and focus on what truly matters — leading the Buckeyes to victory.
The next ten days will be critical. Ohio State’s coaching staff will conduct final practice evaluations, possibly scrimmages, and team meetings where leadership qualities will be assessed. How each quarterback handles adversity, commands respect from teammates, and executes the offensive game plan will heavily influence the final decision. Ryan Day’s update signals that there is no predetermined choice and that the job is up for grabs — a clear message that Ohio State’s future at quarterback depends on performance, not pedigree.
Looking beyond this season, the quarterback competition could have lasting implications. If Sayin wins the job, it validates his high recruitment status and sets him on a path to potentially becoming one of Ohio State’s greats. If Kienholz emerges victorious, it underscores the value of persistence and the program’s ability to develop talent beyond just the headline recruits. Either way, Ohio State stands to benefit from having two talented quarterbacks pushing each other to improve.
In summary, the Ohio State quarterback situation heading into the 2025 season is one of the most riveting storylines in college football. Ryan Day’s announcement that Julian Sayin is not a lock and Lincoln Kienholz’s strong challenge creates a high-stakes competition that will shape the Buckeyes’ offense and identity. With only ten days left before kickoff, the pressure is on both players to prove they belong, and the decision will reverberate far beyond just who starts under center. For Ohio State fans, the drama unfolding is a reminder that greatness is never guaranteed, and in the world of elite college football, the fight for the quarterback throne is always fierce and unpredictable.
