Ryan Day‘s QB dilemma could get a whole lot messier. It’s not about competition anymore, it’s about survival now. For now, former 5-star Alabama recruit Julian Sayin is leading the three-man race. And yeah, his talent is undeniable, and his fit in Ohio State’s offense is clear. No wonder many inside the program already see him as the guy. But nothing remains guaranteed. Lincoln Kienholz is returning, and 5-star true freshman Tavien St. Clair is pushing for snaps. While Day insists it’s an open battle, an unexpected scenario could creep in to force him to do the unthinkable. 

Fox analyst RJ Young delved into OSU’s messy situation in a new episode on The Number One College Football Show on March 13. He began with the dangers of spring games that aren’t what they used to be. “The natural thing for you to do is asset management,” he said, highlighting the first threat.

“You’re going to try to protect the assets that you have by not displaying them, not putting them out for sale so that other people could probably outbid you for one or two players.” With NIL money changing the game, rivals can swoop in with bigger offers for players who display flashes of brilliance in spring practice. 

Likewise, the transfer portal becomes a looming second threat Ryan Day could face from the Buckeyes’ spring game. Gone are the days when you flex your personnel at spring games. Now, unfortunately, a great spring game can be an exit ticket in today’s scenario. If a player isn’t locked in as a starter, they might hit the spring portal in April.

“You could see players that have a great spring game go into the portal,” Young observed. “And then all of a sudden, you have to go and build at a place where you thought you were going to be strong.” That’s a regret anyone won’t forget anytime soon. 

Spring games have become, as Young quoted, “diminishing returns at this point.” The next concern surrounds injury risks, as one bad play in a meaningless spring game could wreck an entire season. “The last thing you want is for one of your players to suffer a non-contact injury or even a contact injury that’s going to prevent them from playing any part of the regular season,” Young stated.

Top Comment by Greg Riggs

Can’t keep bring other players. Sooner or later people will leave.

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Besides, with all the available starter potentials taken during the winter transfer portal, the chance of finding a starter in April is considerably low. But the biggest twist might not come from the QB competition itself. 

Ryan Day’s unthinkable move – Bring in another QB?

Ohio State’s QB room is already loaded but light on experience. As far as the QB1 talk goes, Julian Sayin has the upper hand. “Early expectation? Sayin,” Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon speculated. “Simultaneously, that educated guess is based solely on Sayin throwing 12 passes in 2024, whereas Kienholz has 22 attempts two years ago.”

Sayin may have the highest ceiling as far as general preference goes, but he’s never led a team. Neither did Kienholz nor St. Clair. So here’s where things get fascinating.

RJ Young said, “For Ohio State, do you need a veteran presence at quarterback? No. Do you want a veteran presence at quarterback? Yes.” Here’s the question: If the QB1 struggles or gets hurt, will the Buckeyes trust an untested backup? Or will Ryan Day seek a veteran presence in someone like former Georgia QB Jaden Rashada? The transfer portal isn’t overflowing with talent, but Ohio State may have to overpay for insurance. 

It would send a clear message if the Buckeyes brought in a veteran amid their quarterback dilemma. Ohio State isn’t taking any chances. Ryan Day may not want to do it, but he just might have to.