Teams go as far as their quarterback takes them. That’s true, even with a roster as stacked across the board 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. But as spring camp approaches, the race may have seen one participant stumble.

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 bona fide 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 the 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 veteran experience is bound to have permeated through via osmosis. Which segues into Tavien St. Clair trailing at the bottom of this 3-way competition.

The term “true freshman” just doesn’t equate the same in the current make-up of CFB. The days of cagey high schoolers making the step up are almost a thing of the past. No more cagey, only courageous. Athletes are now ready off the cuff. Ohio State’s own Jeremiah Smith is a testament to this. In fact, Jeremiah is taking to college like a duck-to-water spur on a conundrum for Coach Day in the first place. Give St. Clair the keys from the outset, or keep him away from the deep end as he bides his time? It’s not like the other options are known quantities anyway. With all this baked in, NFL-bound Buckeyes graduate Denzel Burke has given Julian Sayin his vote of confidence at the Combine.

Confronted about Ryan Day’s dilemma out in Indy, Burke showered praise on his ex-teammate Sayin. “I think Julian [is] that guy to be honest with you,” he said. Burke seemingly realized he was stirring the pot on potential controversy and got diplomatic after a brief pause. “Lincoln is pretty good too. So I’m ready to see this little matchup they’re going to have.” The bright lights at the Combine got to Burke, and he seemingly let slip something he may be privy to. Despite his mention of Kienholz, Denzel Burke proceeded to further wax lyrical about Julian Sayin.

“Julian is a great player, great step on the ball, great pocket presence. He’s gonna have a good career,” he said. This is not misplaced. Sayin is considered to be leading the race by most. However, Lincoln Kienholz as QB1 could be on the cards, and it stems from a straightforward idea: If he’s not in the reckoning for winning the shirt, why didn’t he hit the portal? No 4-star recruit would squander a third year as a backup if they didn’t see a route into the team.

Being in the facility longer and seniority is an advantage, after all. That Ohio state culture tends to brush off. It probably makes sense that St. Clair wears a figurative red shirt instead of a real scarlet one. No need for Ryan Day to rush greatness with 2 other high-rated prospects in the wings. Alas, Tavien doesn’t want to hear that. Spring football is still far away, but the chess games have already begun in Columbus.

Ryan Day remains tight-lipped on the conundrum but lets some key information slip

In an interview with WBNS 10TV, Ryan Day was asked about the QB conundrum he faces. Unlike Denzel Burke, he was inclusive of all 3. Leaving no room for conjecture and the hivemind of fans to drift to conclusions. “It’ll be a fierce competition. Lincoln [Kienholz] and Julian, and then Tavien [St. Clair]. We’re excited to see those guys compete,” he said. This isn’t the only time Coach Day has tried dodging this rather large elephant in the room.

Day was asked about his quarterback for 2025 on 97.1 radio down in Columbus. An excerpt of this interview was relayed over on Sports Illustrated. The report read, “Coach Ryan Day said the team’s quarterback for the 2025 season is already on the roster, indicating he has no plans to secure another option through the transfer portal.” Day’s own comments went, “These guys are going to compete their tails off.” One particular part of Coach Day’s statement, though, gave away more than he’d have wanted. 

“We have some good quarterbacks in the system…I shared with all of them that you had an opportunity to watch [the National Championship run] and so you’ve got to really utilize that. Because that’s exactly what we’re looking for in a leader here at quarterback.” Well, only 2 of his 3 QBs saw how the Natty run transpired first-hand. This all but confirms St. Clair isn’t quite atop the depth chart. At least heading into spring. For a talent of his ilk, you can’t put it past him to ruffle feathers in camp.