With the season opener against Texas rapidly approaching, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day faces one of the most high-profile quarterback decisions in college football. The competition between true freshman Julian Sayin and redshirt freshman Lincoln Kienholz has grown increasingly intense during fall camp, with both players showcasing their strengths in ways that have made the choice far from straightforward.
For much of the offseason, Sayin appeared to be the presumed starter. A former five-star recruit, Sayin was widely regarded as one of the most talented passers in the 2024 recruiting class, armed with a strong, accurate arm and advanced mechanics for his age. His ability to deliver tight-window throws and push the ball downfield has wowed observers, and his overall physical tools are generally considered superior to Kienholz’s.
However, as preseason practices have unfolded, Kienholz has emerged as more than just a backup option. The South Dakota native redshirted last season but made notable strides in his understanding of the offense, leadership presence, and poise in high-pressure situations. Coaches and teammates have praised his command in the huddle and his ability to keep the offense on schedule. His recent “Iron Buckeye” award — given to players who excel in strength, conditioning, and dedication during the offseason — further underscored his growing reputation as a team leader.
Sources close to the program have indicated that while Sayin still maintains the edge in raw passing talent, Kienholz has outperformed expectations in a surprising number of practices. This development has kept the battle competitive, with Kienholz closing the gap in skill level more quickly than Sayin has closed the gap in leadership and intangibles.
Public perception, however, still heavily favors Sayin. Fans and media tend to gravitate toward arm talent and recruiting pedigree, and Sayin’s highlight-reel throws have fueled the belief that he is destined to start from day one. Yet, history suggests that Ryan Day does not automatically hand the job to the most physically gifted player. His previous quarterback decisions have factored heavily on maturity, decision-making, and the ability to handle the relentless pressure that comes with leading one of college football’s most scrutinized programs.
Day has resisted naming a starter early in camp, a move consistent with his philosophy of letting competitions play out fully. The Buckeyes still have two major scrimmages scheduled before their Aug. 31 showdown with Texas, and the coaching staff plans to evaluate both quarterbacks in simulated game situations before making a final call. Based on past precedent, an announcement could come around Aug. 18, giving the chosen quarterback two full weeks of first-team reps to prepare for the Longhorns.
While the decision will inevitably spark debate among fans and analysts, the truth is that Ohio State may not know for certain if it made the right call until the first real test against Texas. With a hostile environment, an elite opposing defense, and playoff implications on the line from day one, the quarterback who wins the job will be thrown immediately into the fire.
For now, the battle remains open — and each practice is another chance for Sayin to prove his leadership growth or for Kienholz to continue chipping away at the talent gap. Either way, the outcome will shape not only Ohio State’s season but potentially the national championship race as well.
