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

Although Julian Sayin entered the offseason as the favorite to land Ohio State‘s starting quarterback spot, the job is still open for the taking. On Tuesday, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day pulled back the curtain on the Buckeyes’ QB competition between Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz.

“They both have had good moments and moments where they’re growing,” Day said. “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.

“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.”

Sayin transferred to Ohio State last offseason after spending his freshman year at Alabama. He made four appearances for the Buckeyes last season, completing 5-of-his-12 pass attempts for 84 yards and a touchdown without throwing an interception.

Sayin was the No. 8 overall prospect and No. 2 quarterback in the 2023 recruiting cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking. Florida‘s DJ Lagway was the only quarterback rated higher than Sayin in the Class of 2023.

In comparison, Lincoln Kienholz was a four-star prospect and the No. 15 quarterback in the 2023 recruiting cycle. Kienholz didn’t see any action last season, but made two appearances during his freshman campaign.

Most notably, Kienholz played in a large portion of Ohio State’s 14-3 loss to Missouri in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, after QB Devin Brown was sidelined with an injury. In the loss, Kienholz left much to be desired, only completing 6-of-his-17 passes for 86 yards.

He threw neither a touchdown nor an interception. Alas, Kienholz has improved his game considerably since then, and is now vying to replace quarterback Will Howard, who led the Buckeyes to their first national title since 2014 last season.

Whoever received the starting nod will have their hands full trying to fill Howard’s shoes. The Buckeyes won’t have much longer before they must name a starter. On Aug. 30, Ohio State will square off against Texas in its season-opener at noon ET. The game will air live on FOX.