QB Battle Erupts in Columbus: Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz Locked in Fierce Fight for Buckeyes’ Starting Job
With just ten days left before the season opener, the Ohio State Buckeyes are without a starting quarterback and what was expected to be a formality has turned into a full-blown battle. The quarterback throne in Columbus isn’t just unclaimed—it’s under siege. Ryan Day’s recent comments have sent shockwaves through the program, fan base, and national media. Julian Sayin, the golden-armed freshman phenom who many assumed would seamlessly step into the starting role, is no longer the presumed heir. Across the practice field, Lincoln Kienholz is rising—throwing darts, showing poise, and refusing to back down. What was once seen as a developmental year for Kienholz has turned into a legitimate campaign for the throne, and in every snap, every rep, every throw, the Buckeyes’ future hangs in the balance.
The stakes have never been higher. Coming off a national championship and with playoff expectations once again looming, the quarterback position is the most important decision Ryan Day must make. Day, known for his quarterback acumen and high-powered offenses, has made one thing clear in his recent media availability—this is not just a ceremonial battle or one dictated by hype. This is about who gives the Buckeyes the best chance to win in 2025. And with just over a week before they face off against Texas in a heavyweight opening showdown, Day admitted neither quarterback has separated themselves. That’s not an indictment of either player—it’s a testament to how close, intense, and high-level this competition has become.
Julian Sayin arrived at Ohio State with a mountain of expectations. As one of the top quarterback recruits in the nation, a polished passer with elite arm strength, footwork, and IQ, Sayin was considered as close to “plug-and-play” as a true freshman could be. His pedigree and raw tools made him the crown jewel of the 2025 class and the face of Ohio State’s future. In spring and early summer workouts, he looked every bit the part. Smooth deliveries, deep ball touch, and impressive leadership in film rooms suggested he was building toward QB1. But camp is different. Pads go on, the speed increases, and pressure builds. While Sayin has continued to flash moments of brilliance, inconsistency has crept in. The timing hasn’t always been there, and defenses have started to bait him into mistakes. These are normal growing pains for a freshman, but at Ohio State, there’s no time for a learning curve.
Enter Lincoln Kienholz. The sophomore from South Dakota has been biding his time, developing behind former Buckeyes while honing his skills and learning the system. He entered this offseason with confidence and determination, and over the last few weeks, he has taken his opportunity and sprinted with it. His command of the offense has noticeably improved. His reads have gotten quicker. And most importantly, his throws—especially over the middle and into tight windows—have been lights out. Coaches and teammates alike have commented on his presence, his competitiveness, and his unwillingness to yield. He’s not a backup getting first-team reps—he’s a contender gunning for the top spot.
Inside the program, the tension is electric. There is respect between the quarterbacks, but make no mistake, this is a fierce competition. Players understand what’s at stake. The starting quarterback at Ohio State is more than just a team leader—it’s a national spotlight role. The winner of this battle will lead a team with national title aspirations, play in front of millions, and potentially launch themselves into Heisman contention. The loser, at least for now, will watch from the sideline, knowing they were one great practice away from everything. That pressure has brought the best out of both Sayin and Kienholz, creating one of the most riveting preseason storylines in college football.
Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who brings NFL experience and innovation to this year’s attack, have continued rotating both quarterbacks with the first team. Both have been given equal opportunities to shine in scrimmages, situational drills, and two-minute offense. What Day is watching for now isn’t just physical execution. It’s decision-making. It’s pocket presence. It’s how each quarterback responds when the defense disguises coverage or brings heat. In other words, the intangible qualities that make someone not just a quarterback, but a leader. Right now, both Sayin and Kienholz are showing those traits—but only one can win the job.
The pressure isn’t just internal. The Texas Longhorns await in Week One, and they’re bringing a defense stacked with NFL talent. Whoever wins this job will be tested immediately by elite edge rushers, disguised coverages, and a hostile environment. There’s no easing into the season. That’s why Day is in no rush to name a starter before the final days of camp. He wants one of these quarterbacks to take the job, to seize it, to leave no doubt. If that doesn’t happen, a two-quarterback system could be on the table for the opener—though Day has historically preferred clear, singular leadership at the position.
Around the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, you can feel the urgency. Offensive players are being asked daily about the quarterback race, and while they remain supportive of both, the general sentiment is that whoever wins the job will have earned it. The team trusts Day’s evaluation process, and with so much talent surrounding the position—including a loaded receiver room, a veteran offensive line, and a dynamic backfield—there’s confidence that either quarterback can succeed. But inside the building, there is also recognition that this is more than a short-term decision. It’s about the next two to three years. Choosing the right quarterback now could mean setting the tone for a new era of dominance.
Julian Sayin still has every tool to become a superstar. His mechanics are clean, his release is elite, and his football mind is years ahead of most freshmen. But college football moves fast. Potential doesn’t buy patience in Columbus. If Kienholz continues to outperform him in scrimmages and team periods, it may be too much for Day to ignore. That doesn’t mean Sayin’s future is in doubt. It just means his time may not be now. He may still get his shot later in the season, or even next year—but he has ten days to change that storyline.
For Kienholz, this is the moment he’s been working toward since arriving on campus. He was never the highest-rated recruit, never the one plastered on national signing day graphics. But he’s earned respect in the locker room, and his growth has been undeniable. If he wins the job, it will be because he earned it—not because the favorite faltered. That kind of story resonates with teammates and coaches alike. It’s the type of underdog narrative that can galvanize a team.
As the Buckeyes enter the final stretch of camp, every practice rep carries more weight. Every decision, every throw, every reaction is under the microscope. The fans are watching. The media is speculating. But inside the program, the focus remains on competition, execution, and clarity. Ryan Day will make the call when the time is right. Until then, two quarterbacks continue to push, to rise, and to fight not just for a position—but for the future of Ohio State football. This isn’t just a quarterback competition. It’s a defining battle for the soul of the 2025 season.
