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Ryan Day evaluates Ohio State’s QB race coming out the spring
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Ohio State has become quite adept and handling quarterback battles under head coach Ryan Day. That’s good news, because the Buckeyes have yet another one on their hands, and it doesn’t appear anyone is emerging quite yet.
On Tuesday, Day met with the media at Ohio State with the spring practice window in the rearview mirror. The transfer portal is also officially closed, a particularly good sign for the Buckeyes after the team managed to make it through without losing a single scholarship player in preparation for the 2025 season.
One of the top issues Day was quizzed about involved the QB race, where former 5-star prospect Julian Sayin, veteran Lincoln Kienholz and 5-star freshman Tavien St. Clair. That trio all played in the spring game, but it was Sayin and Kienholz who earned the best marks.
Day admitted that the entire group was dealing with a very generic playlist for the spring, and he said Kienholz took a bit to settle in. After that, it was a lot of neck-and-neck from Sayin and Kienholz.
“We all know the looks were very generic and that type of thing, but you’ve still got to execute them. I thought that was good. I think there has been progress made,” said Day. “I think the next couple of months, those guys coming in here and continue to get stronger and faster and getting on the film. Now they have cut-ups that they can watch to grow from. And as we all know, the summer will be huge.”
So, what about St. Clair, the No. 7 overall prospect for the 2025 recruiting class? Day admitted the talent is evident when the young QB steps on the field, but the lack of experience at this juncture makes it a battle between Sayin and Kienholz entering the summer.
“I’m encouraged with what we saw coming out. You can see the talent with Tavien, he just needs more experience… right now it’s a 2-horse race,” conceded Day.
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After what was witnessed throughout the spring, Day’s assessment is not surprising at all. However, it is a surprise considering what was expected coming out of last season.
Once Devin Brown announced he would depart in the transfer portal, all expectations shifted to Sayin as the expected QB in waiting behind one-year starter Will Howard. And it’s entirely possible Sayin locks things down in the summer and during fall camp, but Kienholz turned the race on its head and kept up the pressure throughout.
Ultimately, Kienholz has the experience factor on Sayin, even if he has not put it on tape in a real game very often. He’s made the most of that experience and learning behind Kyle McCord and Howard, and there’s no reason to doubt Kienholz’s ability to grab the Week 1 starting job this fall.
For now, fans will just have to wait and see what the future has in store.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.