QB battles at Ohio State aren’t just competitions — they’re spectacles. And this spring, Ryan Day finds himself at the center of a decision that could define the Buckeyes in 2025. For now, Julian Sayin, the former 5-star recruit who took a detour through Tuscaloosa to Columbus, seems to be the apparent heir to the QB1 throne. His arm talent, poise, and accuracy make him the frontrunner. But nothing is guaranteed, especially when a $1 million prospect is waiting in the wings. 

From the moment Julian Sayin stepped onto the practice field last fall, expectations were sky-high. OSU staff writer Patrick Murphy joined Bucknuts 247Sports on March 15 to drop his expectations for the potential Will Howard replacement. “I think the expectations have to be high for Julian Sayin,” he said. “He was the third-ranked QB and a top 20 kid overall so expectations should be high. I think from what we saw last year in fall camp, my expectations are he needs to build on that.” Yeah, his resume is already stacked with pretty big wins. 

In his final season at Carlsbad, Julian Sayin threw for 2,347 yards and 24 scores. His accuracy is highlighted in just a sole interception, completing 74.5% of his passes. Even Will Howard called him “one of the most accurate quarterbacks” he’s met. To add to that hype, the 6’1, 203-pounder was named the Elite 11 MVP. On3 already puts him on top of the QB throne saying, “I believe that the former 5-star is going to look a lot like the baller we saw coming out of high school when he steps between the white lines as the starter for the scarlet and grey.” But wait, there are areas of improvement. 

While Murphy praised Julian Sayin’s arm talent, he also raised concerns about some growing pains. “I think the one thing that we’ve heard came up a lot from guys in the NFL Combine is that he needs to be more vocal,” the insider pointed out. “I think now he’s being thrust into that role just naturally with Will Howard leaving.” If there are any doubts about his ability to command the locker room, spring football will put that to rest. But Ryan Day’s dilemma is far from over. 

Tavien St. Clair adds to Ryan Day’s dilemma 

If Julian Sayin is the presumed starter, then Tavien St. Clair is the million-dollar question, literally. The in-state 5-star No. 3 QB, armed with a $1 million NIL valuation, isn’t your typical freshman waiting in the shadows. The Bellefontaine product threw for 2,536 yards and 29 TDs last season, rapidly ascending from a 3-star prospect to one of the nation’s finest signal callers. 

Unlike Sayin, Tavien St. Clair was handpicked by Ryan Day’s staff right from the start. He’s the first Ohio native QB to sign with the Buckeyes since Joe Burrow. His rise has been meteoric. And while most expect him to redshirt and develop, there’s always a chance he forces a chance at QB1.

Ryan Day has a tough decision to make. Julian Sayin has the pedigree and Tavien St. Clair has the long-term upside. And there’s Lincoln Kienholz in the mix too. Who will emerge as the face of the program?