Ohio State QB battle: Ryan Day highlights Julian Sayin’s skillset

The Ohio State Buckeyes are in the midst of one of the most intriguing quarterback battles in the country. There, head coach Ryan Day is choosing between Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz.

Fall Camp is now in full swing as both quarterbacks battle to become the starter who defends Ohio State’s latest national championship. On Tuesday, Day addressed reporters and explained what he’s seen from Sayin that has made him stand out to this point.

“For Julian, what do we like,” Ryan Day said. “There’s a lot to like. He’s very smart, makes quick decisions. The ball comes out of his hand. He’s accurate. I think he’s got good movement. He’s got good quickness. He got twitch in his lower half, but he’s got like twitch in his upper half. Remember how quick the ball used to come out of Dwayne [Haskins’] hands? It’s similar with Julian. I think he’s building more and more of a command on the field. Those are all reasons to like him, and he’s improved. He knows what it takes.”

Julian Sayin came to Ohio State as a transfer from Alabama, though he never played for the Crimson Tide. He had been a five-star recruit in the Class of 2024. During April’s scrimmage, Sayin completed 17 of his 24 passing attempts for 175 yards.

Ohio State has several other quarterbacks on the roster. However, Ryan Day has cut the competition down to Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz. For his part, Kienholz is a former four-star recruit from the Class of 2023. He would go 12 of 18 for 158 yards to go with two touchdowns in the spring game.

“So, those guys are battling their tail off right now. I think they’re both — first off, they’re friends. Julian and Lincoln. Tavien [St. Clair] is coming along too. That room is growing, but I think they’re all good for each other in a lot of different ways. That has to be the best room in the country. That’s the way we look at it,” Day said. “But to answer your question, those are the positives that we see out of Julian.”

Ryan Day predicts Ohio State QB competition will go ‘down to the wire’

The Ohio State quarterback battle appears to be a close one, and there’s not a clear favorite to win the job. So, it’s not a surprise that Ryan Day expects it to go down to the wire before Week 1.

“They both have had good moments and moments where they’re growing. The competition continues, but I will say that I’ve been pleased with the progress. We’re not where we need to be, but if they continue to learn from the mistakes they’re making, and continue to grow off the plays that they’re doing well and moving the offense and taking care of the football, then it’s going to go right down to the wire,” Day said.

“Ultimately, they’ve got to take care of the football. I’m seeing growth, for sure. I’m seeing great attitudes, great work ethic. The practices have been intense, just across the board. I think they’re doing a good job of leading right now. Now, where it goes here by the end of the week will be critical.”

Ryan Day will need to have whoever wins the quarterback battle hit the ground running. Ohio State opens with a major test against Texas.