Ohio State names starting quarterback for Week 1 against Texas

Julian Sayin beats Lincoln Kienholz to earn job
Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin participates in a drill during NCAA college football practice in Columbus, Ohio, Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)

Credit: AP

Credit: AP

Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin participates in a drill during NCAA college football practice in Columbus, Ohio, Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)

Ohio State Buckeyes coach Ryan Day named Julian Sayin the starting quarterback for the 2025 season on Monday.

Sayin, a 6-foot-1, 208-pound sophomore, will make his first start against Texas. The Buckeyes open the season with a noon game on Aug. 30 at Ohio Stadium.

Sayin beat redshirt sophomore Lincoln Kienholz to earn the starting job.

“It was a close competition,” Day said in a press conference Monday. “I think both guys we all feel confident can win a game for us. I think Julian separated himself really over the last week with his consistent play. I feel like our guys are confident with both quarterbacks. I think we’ll need both quarterbacks. Lincoln did a lot of great things.”

Sayin took 27 snaps in four games last season as the backup to Will Howard. He completed 5 of 12 passes for 84 yards and one touchdown.

Sayin was the No. 1 quarterback in the 2024 recruiting class. He signed with Alabama and started classes in Tuscaloosa before transferring to Ohio State in January 2024.

The third-string quarterback will be Bellefontaine High School graduate Tavien St. Clair, a freshman who was the No. 2 quarterback in the class of 2025, according to 247Sports.

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