Ohio State has consistently been a powerhouse when it comes to developing elite quarterbacks. And now Julian Sayin appears to be the next in line. After transferring from Alabama, he spent his first season learning behind veteran signal-callers. The former five-star recruit is now stepping into the spotlight.
Julian Sayin Poised for Ohio State’s Starting QB Role
With his name already among the top five betting favorites for the 2025 Heisman Trophy, excitement is growing in Columbus. However, before he can dream of personal accolades, Sayin must first win Ohio State’s starting quarterback job. That’s because it’s a task that is well underway as spring practice unfolds.
The buzz surrounding Sayin’s ability has been impossible to ignore. A video, circulated on the X page of The Scarlet and Gray Podcast showcasing his effortless throwing motion, has sparked enthusiasm among Buckeye fans.
Early in the quarterback competition but man the way the ball just jumps off the hand of Julian Sayin is just different. pic.twitter.com/eFsDNvJZex
— The Scarlet and Gray Podcast (@TheSG_Podcast) March 19, 2025
“There is a competition but really isn’t. The competition is for QB2,” one confident supporter declared.
“He has a lot of weapons, ” someone else said.
“He’s too short” “He’s not elite” He’s gonna be a heisman finalist his first year watch, ” another comment came.
“I’m here to tell you there is no real competition. Julian Sayin is QB1,” another fan said.
“He wasn’t top in the class for no reason, ” someone else said.
It reinforces the belief that Sayin is not just the favorite to start—he’s expected to dominate. But head coach Ryan Day and his staff have not officially handed him the keys just yet. He kept the competition open between Sayin, redshirt sophomore Lincoln Kienholz, and true freshman Tavien St. Clair.
Julian Sayin’s Journey to Becoming QB1
While the consensus points to Sayin as the frontrunner, Ohio State’s coaching staff has taken a measured approach to the quarterback battle. The Buckeyes allowed the media access to their quarterbacks on Wednesday.
It was just after their second day of spring practice. Given the timing, it’s clear the program wanted to set the tone early—this competition will not be rushed.
New quarterbacks coach Billy Fessler reinforced that stance, brushing aside any speculation about how close the race was at this stage.
“I think we’re a long way away from even talking about how close it is,” Fessler said when asked about the ongoing competition between Sayin, Kienholz, and St. Clair.
“Right now, those three guys are really just focused on getting better every single time they step in this building—in meeting rooms or when they step on the field in practice,” Fessler continued.
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Despite the official stance of an open competition, Sayin’s resume and natural talent make him the overwhelming favorite. Last season, he spent time as the third-string quarterback behind Will Howard and Devin Brown, allowing him to gain experience and absorb the Buckeyes’ system.
His arrival in Columbus was a major shift in his career—originally an early enrollee at Alabama, Sayin transferred to Ohio State in January 2024 following Nick Saban’s retirement. The move gave the Buckeyes an elite quarterback talent, and now he is positioned to lead one of the most high-powered offenses in college football.
With expectations mounting, Sayin has remained composed and focused on what he can control. Rather than getting caught up in outside noise or the speculation about his status as the presumed starter, the young quarterback has taken a businesslike approach to his preparation.
“I don’t listen to the outside noise,” Sayin said after Wednesday’s practice. “I’m just focused on getting better every day.”
That level-headed attitude is exactly what Ohio State’s coaches want from their potential leader.
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