A Championship Hangover Meets Urgency for Stability

Ohio State is entering the 2025 season as defending national champions — a program surging with momentum and expectations. But with Will Howard off to the NFL after a historic one-year stop in Columbus, head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly face the daunting challenge of reloading at the most critical position.

What makes this year’s QB race particularly intriguing is that it features no clear returning starter, but instead a mix of blue-chip recruits, dynamic athleticism, and a transfer with elite pedigree. The outcome won’t just determine who takes the first snap — it could set the course for Ohio State’s title defense and the offensive identity it embraces moving forward.

Julian Sayin: The Polished Prodigy

Let’s start with the odds-on favorite: Julian Sayin, the former five-star quarterback who transferred to Ohio State from Alabama this offseason.

Background

• Class: Redshirt freshman
• Height/Weight: 6’1”, 200 lbs
• High School: Carlsbad (CA)
• Recruiting Rank: No. 3 overall prospect (247Sports Composite, Class of 2024)

Sayin initially enrolled early at Alabama and quickly earned praise for his calm demeanor, elite mechanics, and mental processing. But with Jalen Milroe entrenched in Tuscaloosa and Kalen DeBoer bringing in his own QB room favorites, Sayin hit the portal and landed in Columbus.

Why He’s the Favorite

• High Football IQ: Coaches and analysts rave about his anticipation and ability to make throws before receivers come out of their breaks.
• Mechanics and Accuracy: Sayin’s release is crisp, and he consistently puts the ball where only his receiver can catch it.
• Fit in Chip Kelly’s Offense: Sayin’s quick processing and decision-making fit perfectly with Kelly’s timing-based scheme.

He’s already turning heads in spring practices. One Ohio State staffer anonymously told Land-Grant Holy Land:

“Julian carries himself like a guy who’s already played two years. He’s laser-focused and doesn’t make the same mistake twice.”

If the season started tomorrow, all signs suggest Sayin would be QB1 — but spring games, fall camp, and the experience of his peers still matter.

Lincoln Kienholz: The Wild Card with Swagger

Kienholz is the quarterback that fans — and even some teammates — are quietly rooting for. He was a dynamic high school star from Pierre, South Dakota, who spurned Washington for the Buckeyes in 2023.

Background

• Class: Redshirt freshman
• Height/Weight: 6’2”, 205 lbs
• Style: Dual-threat with a gunslinger mentality

Kienholz didn’t see much action in 2024, but coaches love his grit and athleticism. He has a baseball background (he was a top pitching prospect), and that arm strength shows on the field.

What He Brings

• Mobility: Arguably the best scrambler of the bunch. Can extend plays and improvise.
• Upside: While rawer than Sayin, his ceiling might be just as high if he puts it all together.
• Leadership: Teammates gravitate toward him — he’s vocal, competitive, and fearless.

Spring reports say he’s pushing Sayin hard. If he strings together consistent performances and reduces turnovers, he could surprise a lot of people.

Tavien St. Clair: The Future Star Already Making Noise

Although a long shot to win the job this year, true freshman Tavien St. Clair deserves mention.

Background

• Class: Freshman (2025)
• Hometown: Bellefontaine, Ohio
• Height/Weight: 6’4”, 225 lbs
• Recruiting Rank: Top-50 national recruit

St. Clair committed to the Buckeyes early and was one of the first major signees under Chip Kelly’s offensive vision. While he’s not expected to start in 2025, spring observers are impressed with his poise and raw tools.

“Tavien’s arm strength is ridiculous for a kid his age,” one offensive assistant told Sports Illustrated. “He just needs time.”

He’s a name to watch for 2026 and beyond — but don’t rule out a red-zone or package role late in the year if he continues to impress.

Chip Kelly’s Influence

This race isn’t happening in a vacuum — it’s the first real quarterback competition under Chip Kelly’s guidance.

Kelly, hired as offensive coordinator after leaving UCLA’s head coaching job, is expected to overhaul Ohio State’s attack into a more rhythm-based, quick-hitting system, with RPOs and motion playing a significant role.

What That Means for the QBs

• Decision-making and timing are paramount.
• The offense will likely be faster-paced, with fewer vertical shots and more emphasis on intermediate reads.
• Mobility is a bonus, not a necessity.

That favors Sayin’s style on paper — but don’t underestimate how a mobile threat like Kienholz could unlock other wrinkles, especially against aggressive defenses.

Voices from Inside the Program

Ryan Day (Head Coach):

“We want a quarterback who can operate efficiently, protect the football, and lead. We’re not rushing this decision. It’ll play out in the spring and summer.”

Marvin Harrison Jr. (former Buckeye WR, now NFL):

“Julian Sayin reminded me a little of C.J. Stroud when I saw him throw — calm, polished, always in control.”

Chip Kelly (OC):

“Each guy brings something different. We’re designing spring installs to highlight everyone’s strengths.”

Fan Survey Says…

A recent Land-Grant Holy Land fan survey found:

• 67% believe Julian Sayin will be the starter
• 22% support Kienholz
• 9% want St. Clair to redshirt and develop

The majority view aligns with media reports: Sayin is the leader in the clubhouse, but Kienholz is gaining steam.

What Happens if It’s Close?

Ohio State may find itself in a “good problem” scenario. If both Sayin and Kienholz prove capable starters, could the Buckeyes adopt a two-QB system early in the season?

Don’t bet on it — Kelly has historically preferred sticking with one starter. But an early-season non-conference schedule that includes some winnable matchups might offer room to experiment.

What’s at Stake

Ohio State is not just trying to win the Big Ten again — it’s trying to go back-to-back as national champions. That requires:

• Stable quarterback play
• Efficient offensive rhythm
• Leadership under pressure

A shaky QB situation could derail those plans quickly. But if they find their guy? Ohio State is absolutely talented enough to repeat.

Final Prediction

Based on spring developments, system fit, and leadership traits, here’s how the QB race projects heading into summer:

1. Julian Sayin – Likely starter. Polished, accurate, and fits Chip Kelly’s vision perfectly.
2. Lincoln Kienholz – Top backup, pushing hard, and could see reps if Sayin falters or as a change-of-pace.
3. Tavien St. Clair – Redshirt candidate, future face of the program.

Ohio State’s QB room in 2025 may not yet have a household name — but it has no shortage of talent. In Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz, and Tavien St. Clair, the Buckeyes possess three elite options, each capable of leading this team under the right circumstances.

The good news for Buckeye fans? No matter who wins the job, Ohio State is in great hands.