The 2025 Ohio State Quarterback Battle: Do’s and Don’ts

Earlier this week, @TonyGerdeman laid out an extensive timeline that detailed the various twists and turns the Ohio State quarterback position has taken since Ryan Day joined the program as an assistant in 2017. Considering how the starting quarterback position between Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz is yet to be determined, and how a quarterback battle is always something that draws extensive attention, I decided to offer up some thoughts about some “Do’s and Don’ts” on this topic.

• Do trust the process
  Ryan Day has earned the benefit of the doubt. He’s not rushing the decision and is emphasizing growth, leadership, and consistency over hype.
• Do watch Sayin and Kienholz closely
  The battle is “neck and neck” between these two. Sayin, the former five-star who originally signed with Alabama, impressed in the spring game. Kienholz, entering his third year, has also had his moments during spring practices that Coach Day stated where Kienholz was considered the leader amongst the two.
• Do keep an eye on Tavien St. Clair
  While he’s a step behind, his raw talent and athleticism are undeniable. He will not start, but his ceiling is sky-high. It would be tremendous if St. Clair was given opportunities to play in the non-conference games versus Grambling and Ohio, as well as other Big Ten games.
• Do remember the stakes
  The Buckeyes open against Texas. Whoever wins the job will be tested immediately against a fellow title contender. It will not be a surprise to me if both players are called upon in the season opener.
• Do appreciate the depth
  This isn’t a desperation battle—it’s a luxury of riches. All three QBs were elite recruits, and the competition is sharpening them all.
• Don’t repeat the 2015 quarterback battle announcement
  Or should I say lack thereof. Former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer did not let Cardale Jones or J.T. Barrett know who was starting until the first series of the 2015 season opener at Virginia Tech, and the 2015 offense seemed out of sync all season long. Eventually, Barrett reclaimed the starting position, and I believe the 2015 offense was more a result of coaching staff issues, but the larger point is that a mid-August announcement of who will be starting against Texas is my guess on what will happen.
• Don’t assume Sayin is a lock
  Despite Sayin’s recruiting pedigree, Kienholz has quietly impressed and knows the system well. This isn’t a coronation—it’s a contest. My belief is that Kienholz is going to make this a difficult decision.
• Don’t overlook the supporting cast
  Whoever wins the job will have an amazing receiving group to throw to and Caleb Downs anchoring the defense. This team has all the pieces to repeat as national champions. Solid, competent play from the quarterback position is all that is requested.
• Don’t panic if there are early mistakes
  Growing pains are inevitable. The key is how quickly the starter learns and adapts, something Coach Day is watching closely.
• Don’t forget the long game
  Even if one QB starts the season, the other two aren’t going anywhere. Depth matters in a playoff run, as every Ohio State fan recalls from the 2014 national championship season.