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 understated wildcard in Lincoln Kienholz? It’s not as transparent as you’d think. But as Spring football 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 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 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 in 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 now are ready off the cuff. Ohio State’s own Jeremiah Smith is a testament to this. In fact, Jeremiah taking to college like a duck to water spurs 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 learns his ropes? It’s not like the other options are known quantities anyways. However, Craig Shemon of the “Locked on Big 10” podcast has dispelled this notion.

Discussing the Buckeyes’ QB1 contenders for 2025, Shemon remarked that Keinholz is “Gonna get a strong look this spring” 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 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? No 4-star recruit will squander a third year as a backup if they didn’t see a route into the team.

While Kienholz remains a contender, Shemon implied that St. Clair isn’t quite. “Tavien St. Clair is going to draw a lot of interest this spring as well. But he’s expected to redshirt as of now” he stated. 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 to rush greatness with 2 other high-rated prospects in the wings. Alas, the personnel change under center isn’t the only one Ryan Day and the Buckeyes have to contend with.

Next quarterback will need to re-adjust as wholesale changes in Ryan Day’s staff  include one at OC

Success inevitably breeds its own kinds of problems. In a revelation that was equal parts foreseeable and troubling, a mass exodus ensued out of Columbus. A multitude of key contributors to the National Championship run have departed. The level of the hierarchy affected most is the coaching staff, with both coordinators gone.  Foundational pillars have been shaken, and Ryan Day is now tasked with keeping what he’s built intact. 

DC Jim Knowles bid adieu quite abruptly. The adrenaline rush from the Natty hadn’t even settled down yet, and Knowles dropped a bombshell. As if this wasn’t enough of a blow to the Buckeyes, he’s only gone and joined conference rivals Penn State. This was in conjunction with OC Chip Kelly leaving for the Raiders. For Kelly’s successor, Ryan Day has promoted an in-house candidate. 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 in charge of calling plays. A big step and a vote of confidence. 

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. 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. The signs do point to Julian Sayin being QB1 after Will Howard’s NFL ascension. But spring camp does present an opportunity for Lincoln Kienholz and, indeed, Tavien St. Clair to raise their claim.