Teams go as far as their quarterback takes them. That’s true even with a roster as stacked as the one Ryan Day has at his disposal. The 1-year stopgap solution worked wonders for Ohio State with Will Howard. However, a new dawn is imminent over Columbus, and with it comes a new face. Peep over the horizon, and 3 inexperienced QBs are standing there, waiting to ascend through the depth chart. Who’ll get the nod—Julian Sayin, Tavien St. Clair, or the unassuming wildcard in Lincoln Kienholz? It’s not as transparent as you’d think.

Ryan Day is not in an envious position with this decision. He’s going from a fully-vetted senior statesman in Will Howard to a call between a QB room with a grand total of 15 completions between them. On a positive note, Julian Sayin and Tavien St. Clair are bonafide 5-star recruits, top 3 in the nation in their respective classes. With Lincoln Kienholz no slouch himself as a 4-star and 13th-rated QB in the class of ‘23. On surface level, he and 2024 recruit Sayin have the upper hand over true freshman St.Clair. They’ve been in and around the program longer, learning the ropes from Day, Howard, and the now-departed Chip Kelly. Some of that experience is bound to have permeated through—kind of like osmosis. 

The consensus around Columbus is that Julian Sayin leads the charge headed into spring. That’ll mean he’s leapfrogged the more senior Kienholz. That’s been apparent, given Sayin was QB2 last season as well. However, one Ohio State insider has leveraged the intel of a conversation he had with Kienholz back when he was first recruited. He thinks a reversal could be on the cards, and it stems from a straightforward idea—if he’s not in the reckoning for winning the shirt, why did Lincoln Kienholz not hit the portal? Bill Kurelic gave his two cents on this all-important QB race over the Bucknuts 247Sports YouTube channel.

“Lincoln Kienholz wouldn’t have stayed around if he didn’t think he could win this battle,” said Kurelic. “I remember talking to him in Texas when he was getting ready for the All-American Bowl…he’s a very confident young man. Back then he thought he can come to Ohio State and be the guy and I don’t think he’s changed his mind.” Kurelic proceeded to discern who he thinks will win the race.

“That job just won’t be handed to Sayin. I tend to think Sayin will win it, but I think Kienholz and, for that matter, Tavien St. Clair are going to compete like crazy this spring,”  he said. It is indeed a fair rationale that he presented around Kienholz. If nothing else, the fact that Kienholz stayed for a third year suggests something. No four-star recruit wastes another season on the bench unless they see a path to playing time.

The personnel change under center isn’t the only one Ryan Day and the Buckeyes have to contend with. Success inevitably breeds its own kinds of problems. In a revelation that was equal parts foreseeable and troubling, a mass exodus has ensued out of OSU. A multitude of key contributors to the National Championship run are departing for newer pastures. The level of the hierarchy affected most is the coaching staff. Foundational pillars have been shaken, and Ryan Day is now tasked with keeping what he’s built intact. So far, he’s gaining plaudits for how he’s dealt with things.

Top Comment by Butchiebob

Make play 2 of them all the time.

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QB1-elect Julian Sayin’s ascension met with a shake-up in Ryan Day’s coaching staff

Some puzzling news reverberated out of Columbus when defensive coordinator Jim Knowles bid adieu quite abruptly. The adrenaline rush from the Natty hadn’t even settled down yet, and Knowles dropped this bombshell. To make matters worse for the Buckeyes, he has joined conference rival Penn State. This was in conjunction with offensive coordinator Chip Kelly also exiting for the Raiders. That one was more understandable. However, this left the Ohio State fans divided with either of 2 sentiments: ‘good grief!’ or ‘good riddance.’ But one emotion was being felt in unison—a high-end replacement is requisite. Following Kelly’s departure, Ryan Day has promoted an in-house candidate. A decision being met with warmth.

Continuity was very important for an offense already going through a change at QB. Owing to this, the Buckeyes have given the nudge upwards to Co-OC Brian Hartline. He’ll now be the full-time offensive coordinator and, notably, in charge of calling plays. A big step and a vote of confidence.

On3’s Andy Staples has ranked this the 3rd most impactful coordinator hire this season. Superseded only by Ryan Grubb at Bama and Jim Knowles himself. Alongside being Co-OC with Kelly, Hartline was and still remains the wide receiver’s coach. A position group that was the key to the operation in winning a Natty. His receiving corp has lost the services of Emeka Egbuka now, but the crown jewel is still intact with Jeremiah Smith.

Brian Hartline will want to deploy a quarterback who can continue airing it to the perimeter and utilize Smith and Carnell Tate. Julian Sayin has an unorthodox release, but one that’s quick. He also possesses a strong arm. Having walked into the program alongside Jeremiah Smith gives Sayin another feather in his cap.

Each of the three QBs brings something different to the table, but experience is the big common thread. Ryan Day and Brian Hartline have a huge call to make—one that could totally define their title defense next season.