Julian Sayin or Tavien St. Clair? A lingering dilemma in Ohio State‘s QB room. But it looks like the fog is disappearing and the picture is getting clearer. It’s an embarrassment of riches for the Buckeyes but the spring game could expose some separation. After all, Ryan Day did mention that the starting job is up for grabs between the two 5-star standouts and their veteran QB Lincoln Kienholz. But if the latest intel is any indication, Julian Sayin may already be taking a big leap forward. 

On3 Recruits isn’t just high on Julian Sayin. They’re crowning him already. In a new episode on March 6, the insider listed the reasons for the hype — “This is the guy that is the definition of composed. I mean you saw his demeanor under the bright lights of the elite 11, you saw it during some of the biggest games of his high school career. Julian Sayin is as cool as the other side of the pillow and he is a pure distributor of the football. He is such a quick release and is able to scan the field efficiently in order to get the b–l out on time and in rhythm.” Julian Sayin was elite in high school. He recorded a completion rate of 72% across 38 games for 7,970 yards and an impressive 86-10 TD-INT ratio, highlighting his accuracy as a passer. 

Maybe that’s why Nick Saban hand-picked him for Alabama. But his retirement brought him to Columbus in January 2024 to add instant firepower to OSU’s QB room behind Will Howard. His senior year in 2023 saw him throwing for 2,347 yards and 24 TDs with just one pick. He completed 74.5% of his passes and was later named the Elite 11 MVP. The 6’1, 195-pounder also rushed for 605 yards and nine scores over his HS career at Carlsbad. “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,” the analyst added.

And this isn’t the only hype surrounding Julian Sayin. On3’s Pete Nakos also called him “the real deal” after watching him in practice. Another source also mentioned that he has “continued to impress the staff” as he continues to fight for the starting nod in 2025. Even his National Championship predecessor couldn’t stop raving about him calling him “one of the most accurate quarterbacks I’ve been around.” If that’s not an endorsement, then what is? But wait, this isn’t a coronation yet. 

Ryan Day’s Tavien St. Clair dilemma

Tavien St. Clair isn’t just some future project. The No. 3 QB and No. 7 overall recruit in the 2025 class, the 6’4 QB has got the tools of an elite play-caller. Last season at Bellefontaine HS, he torched defenses for 2,536 yards and 29 TDs in just 11 games. But is it the ‘true freshman’s tag that separates him from Julian Sayin? Buckeyes CB Denzel Burke didn’t bring St. Clair into the conversation when he acknowledged both Sayin and Kienholz’s upsides. 

“I think Julian’s that guy to be honest with you,” the former Buckeyes CB said. “Julian is a great player, great step on the b–l, great pocket presence. He’s gonna have a good career.” CFB analyst RJ Young took it a step further noting what wasn’t said — “Nobody mentioned Tavien St. Clair.” Sometimes, silence can be deafening and this is one instance. But perhaps, Ryan Day is seeking stability amid the coaching transitions — Brian Hartline as the new OC, Billy Fessler as QB coach, and Tyler Bowen on the O-line. Sayin has an edge in experience, although it may be behind the scenes. 

But this isn’t the end of Ryan Day’s QB dilemma yet. OSU’s spring practice will kick off on March 17 and every rep will matter. Julian Sayin may have the edge now but if Tavien St. Clair comes out slinging, who knows where the direction will point?