Ohio State QB battle gets serious with expectations rising.
Ryan Day Sets Clear Expectations for Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz Amid QB Battle originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Ohio State’s quarterback competition is underway in Columbus, and head coach Ryan Day isn’t leaving much up for interpretation. Speaking with reporters at the start of preseason camp, Day outlined exactly what he’s looking for in his next starting quarterback.
His words, clear, precise and demanding, were aimed directly at Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz, the two frontrunners vying to lead the Buckeyes into the 2025 season.
“You want command of the offense,” Day said. “When you stand in there as a quarterback, you want everyone to believe in you. You want them to follow your command.” The message was layered with expectations beyond just physical tools.
Day stressed decision-making, situational execution, and mental toughness as the pillars of winning the job, noting that “third down, red zone and two-minute is where you make your money.”
Spotlight on Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz as Competition Intensifies
Julian Sayin, the 20-year-old former five-star recruit out of California, transferred to Ohio State from Alabama last offseason. Regarded as one of the more polished quarterback prospects in the country, Sayin brings elite footwork, pre-snap awareness and advanced timing mechanics.
Despite limited college game action, his maturity and pedigree have impressed during spring and early summer sessions.
Kienholz, a redshirt junior from South Dakota, offers a different skill set, with a more gunslinger profile, strong arm strength and mobility.
Ryan Day on what he's looking to see from Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz in preseason camp:
— Chase Brown (@chaseabrown__) July 31, 2025
"You want command of the offense," he said. "When you stand in there as a quarterback, you want everyone to believe in you. You want them to follow your command."
Day said the…
His development has become a focal point, with reports noting his improved consistency and confidence since the spring game.
Both quarterbacks have drawn praise in flashes, but neither has clearly separated yet. Day has continued to ramp up situational pressure in practices, using third-down packages and two-minute drills to simulate game intensity.
While Sayin may have the higher ceiling on paper, Kienholz’s familiarity with the system could give him an early edge as camp progresses.
Timeline for Decision — When Will a Starter Emerge?
With Ohio State’s opener against Texas just four weeks away, the timeline for a quarterback decision is narrowing.
Day has not set a public deadline but indicated that game-week prep requires naming a starter by the final week of camp.
The Buckeyes are entering a pivotal season with College Football Playoff ambitions and one of the nation’s toughest schedules. Stability at quarterback is essential, and Day made clear that leadership and trust, not just arm strength, will determine the winner.
While both Sayin and Kienholz bring different tools to the battle, the decision will ultimately hinge on who takes control in the most critical moments of camp.
Related: Rece Davis Names the Big Ten QB Who Is Following Joe Burrow’s Footsteps
Related: Arch Manning Has Clear Edge Over Ohio State’s QBs, Claims Mack Brown
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
