As Tavien St. Clair matures, Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz are still “neck and neck” for Ohio State’s starting quarterback position.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are no strangers to intense quarterback battles. With the departure of a high-profile quarterback, the eyes of the college football world always shift to the next man up. In 2025, the race for the starting quarterback position at Ohio State has been nothing short of electrifying. While 2023’s backup quarterbacks, Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz, continue to battle it out for the coveted role, a promising young talent, Tavien St. Clair, is quietly maturing behind them.

In an environment where competition is the heart of every position, the starting quarterback for Ohio State has become a key focal point for fans, analysts, and coaches alike. With Sayin and Kienholz being “neck and neck” in their race to claim the starting role, it is clear that Ohio State’s quarterback situation will be one to follow closely.

The Landscape of the Ohio State Quarterback Room

The competition for Ohio State’s starting quarterback spot has always been competitive, given the program’s history of producing NFL-caliber quarterbacks. With the departure of C.J. Stroud, who took the Buckeyes to the brink of national championships, the position was left open to a number of contenders. Heading into the 2025 season, Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz have emerged as the top two candidates to take the reins.

Sayin, who has been in the system longer, boasts a quick release and a polished pocket presence. His ability to read defenses and make fast, accurate throws has impressed coaches, making him a fan favorite for the starting role. On the other hand, Kienholz has earned recognition for his dynamic playmaking ability, including his mobility and deep ball accuracy. Despite being newer to the system, Kienholz’s raw talent has been undeniable.

The Ohio State staff has repeatedly stated that the quarterback position is “wide open,” and both quarterbacks have had their moments to shine in practice and scrimmages. As it stands, the competition remains deadlocked, with no clear frontrunner emerging as the fall season looms.

Julian Sayin: The Veteran with Poise and Precision

Julian Sayin has spent more time in the Ohio State program than Lincoln Kienholz, and that experience shows in his game. He’s developed a strong relationship with the coaching staff, allowing him to better read defenses and process information quickly. Sayin’s strengths lie in his accuracy, decision-making, and ability to deliver the ball in tight windows. These attributes make him an ideal candidate for Ohio State’s high-powered offense.

One of Sayin’s biggest strengths is his composure under pressure. During spring practice, coaches have noted his ability to make the right throw even in chaotic situations. His accuracy on short and intermediate routes is precise, and his quick release keeps defensive linemen and linebackers guessing.

That said, Sayin does have areas that need improvement. While he excels in the pocket, his mobility and ability to create plays outside the pocket have been questioned. In today’s college football landscape, where dual-threat quarterbacks are becoming more prevalent, Sayin’s inability to escape pressure could limit his ceiling as Ohio State’s signal-caller.

Lincoln Kienholz: The Playmaker with Dynamic Ability

In contrast to Sayin’s polished game, Lincoln Kienholz has shown his versatility through his ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the run. Kienholz’s mobility is one of his biggest assets, allowing him to extend plays and make throws on the move. His arm strength is another key factor, as he is capable of pushing the ball down the field with precision and velocity.

Kienholz’s ability to stretch the field vertically could make him a dynamic asset in Ohio State’s offense. His long ball accuracy has impressed coaches, and his quick release has helped him become a threat in both deep passing and fast-paced offenses. His ability to run the ball when plays break down makes him a legitimate dual-threat quarterback.

However, Kienholz is not without his flaws. His decision-making at times can be erratic, and he has a tendency to take risks that lead to turnovers. These mistakes can be costly in a high-stakes Big Ten environment. He’ll need to develop better poise and decision-making skills to ensure he can take the next step and claim the starting job.

Tavien St. Clair’s Development: The Rising Star

While the battle between Sayin and Kienholz dominates the headlines, a rising star in the Ohio State quarterback room is quietly making strides. Tavien St. Clair, a highly-touted 2026 recruit, is already showing flashes of brilliance despite being a year away from competing for the starting job. His development throughout the 2025 season will be worth watching closely as he matures into a potential future starter for the Buckeyes.

St. Clair, known for his elite arm strength and athleticism, has impressed the Ohio State coaching staff with his work ethic and ability to absorb coaching. Though he’s not in direct competition for the starting job this year, his presence in the quarterback room adds an interesting dynamic to the competition between Sayin and Kienholz. The future of Ohio State’s quarterback position may very well lie in St. Clair’s hands, but for now, he’s continuing to grow and develop as a player.

The key for St. Clair will be to learn from Sayin and Kienholz, absorbing their knowledge and adapting their strengths into his own game. His physical traits, combined with his ability to learn, could set him up for success when he eventually takes over as Ohio State’s quarterback of the future.

Breaking Down the Key Factors: What Will Decide the Battle?

As the 2025 season progresses, the competition between Sayin and Kienholz will undoubtedly remain close. While both quarterbacks have showcased unique skill sets, certain factors will ultimately decide who wins the job:

1. Decision-Making Under Pressure

One of the most important aspects of being an elite quarterback is the ability to make the right decisions under pressure. In big moments, both Sayin and Kienholz will need to show they can process defenses quickly and make the right reads. Sayin’s ability to remain composed in high-pressure situations gives him an edge, but Kienholz’s ability to make plays when things break down could give him a higher ceiling.

2. Accuracy and Touch

The ability to deliver accurate throws is critical in Ohio State’s offense. Sayin has consistently been praised for his accuracy on short and intermediate throws, while Kienholz’s arm strength makes him a threat on deep routes. However, Kienholz will need to show more consistency with his touch and accuracy on shorter throws if he hopes to close the gap with Sayin in this department.

3. Mobility and Playmaking Ability

The modern college quarterback must be able to make plays both in and out of the pocket. While Sayin is more of a traditional pocket passer, Kienholz’s ability to extend plays with his legs gives him a distinct advantage in terms of his ability to avoid pressure and create big plays on the move. If Kienholz can clean up his decision-making and improve his consistency, his mobility could be a game-changer for the Buckeyes.

4. Leadership and Poise

Beyond physical traits, a quarterback must demonstrate leadership and poise both on and off the field. Sayin’s experience gives him an edge in this area, as he’s had more time to develop chemistry with his teammates and coaching staff. Kienholz will need to prove he can handle the responsibility of being the face of the program and lead Ohio State to victories in big games.

The Road Ahead: A New Era for Ohio State Football

As Ohio State’s quarterback competition continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the Buckeyes are in good hands, whether with Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz, or a rising talent like Tavien St. Clair. While the battle for the starting job between Sayin and Kienholz remains neck and neck, the development of these quarterbacks will shape the future of the Ohio State football program for years to come.

With head coach Ryan Day at the helm, Ohio State has always been a program focused on high-level quarterback play. The decision on who starts in 2025 will be crucial for the team’s success. Whether it’s the experienced Sayin, the dynamic Kienholz, or the promising St. Clair down the road, one thing is for sure: Ohio State football is set for another exciting chapter in its storied quarterback legacy.