Ohio State insider shares update on starting quarterback battle and how it could soon come to an end for the Buckeyes
The race for the starting job is on and at some point one of the Ohio State quarterbacks will separate from the other.
The Ohio State Buckeyes held three open practices last week, and now they’ll keep things relatively lowkey until their season opener against the Texas Longhorns on Aug. 30.
Ohio State is aiming to repeat as national champions following Ryan Day’s first title, but they’ll have to do it with plenty of new faces after 14 starters from last year’s team were drafted into the NFL.
One of the most important new starters will be at quarterback, where someone will have to fill the shoes of Will Howard, who was outstanding during his time in Columbus.
Ohio State insider reveals what Julian Sayin needs to do to win the job
Julian Sayin is considered the favorite to win the job over junior Lincoln Kienholz. Still, that’s easier said than done, and there hasn’t been much separation between the two yet. Alex Gleitman of Lettermen Row shared insight on how each quarterback can earn the starting role:
“Honestly, it’s a lot of the same as what we got earlier in spring ball,” a source told On3. “You seem to know what you’re going to get day in, day out from Lincoln. Julian’s highs are higher, but there are more mistakes—maybe just needing more reps. Consistency is a big thing with quarterbacks, so we’ll see if Julian can get more consistent, and we’ll see if Lincoln can start to consistently make ‘wow’ plays.”
If either of the quarterbacks can rise up to where they are currently lacking, this competition could soon be over. Sayin is entering his second year in the system, while Kienholz holds the edge in experience. Still, Sayin’s talent gives him the upper hand, which is why he’s expected to ultimately win the job. The former Alabama commit—who transferred to Ohio State after Nick Saban’s retirement—is going to need to find more consistency if he wants to finish on top in the quarterback competition.
Ryan Day deserves the benefit of the doubt when it comes to naming a starting quarterback. Even in a year when the play wasn’t perfect, like with Kyle McCord, most programs would envy that level of production.
The pressure of being the quarterback at Ohio State is unmatched, and whoever earns the starting job will inevitably face some ups and downs during the 2025 season.
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