Let’s be honest, replacing a national champion is never a fun Tuesday morning. When Will Howard hoisted the trophy and then headed off to the NFL, every fan in Columbus had the same low-key panic attack. Who’s next? Is the kid ready? Well, we finally have our answer. Ryan Day didn't just pick a name out of a hat; he handed the keys to the Ferrari to Julian Sayin, the redshirt freshman who basically spent his first year in Columbus looking like a glitch in the Matrix.
If you followed the recruiting drama, you know Sayin’s path here was a bit of a rollercoaster. He originally signed with Alabama, but once Nick Saban decided to trade the headset for a golf club, Sayin hopped in the portal and landed in the 614. Honestly, it might be the most important transfer win of the Day era.
The Battle That Nobody Saw Coming
Everyone assumed Julian Sayin was the Ohio State starting QB 2025 the moment he unpacked his bags. But Lincoln Kienholz didn't get that memo. Kienholz, the South Dakota legend who is probably the best athlete most people haven't heard of, made this a legitimate fight all through spring and fall camp.
Ryan Day kept saying the race was "wide open." Usually, that's coach-speak for "I don't want anyone to transfer yet," but this time it felt different. Kienholz has that "it" factor—he’s a gamer who can run like a deer. But as we moved into August, Sayin just became undeniable.
The kid’s accuracy is, frankly, stupid. He broke the NCAA record for completion percentage this season, sitting at a staggering 78.4%. For context, Bo Nix set the previous record at 77.4% at Oregon. Sayin isn't just dinking and dunking, either; he’s tied for the national lead in 30-yard touchdown passes.
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Why Sayin Won the Job
It basically came down to three things:
- Consistency: While Kienholz had higher highs in the run game, Sayin never had those "what was he thinking?" moments.
- The "Pro" Processor: Offensive coordinator Brian Hartline has been vocal about how fast Julian gets through his reads. He’s already playing like a three-year vet.
- The Texas Test: With a Week 1 matchup against the Longhorns and Arch Manning looming, Day needed a guy who wouldn't blink under the brightest lights in the sport.
The Fallout: Where Did Everyone Go?
College football in 2025 is basically musical chairs with millions of dollars attached. Once Sayin was named the starter, the depth chart cleared out faster than a stadium in a blowout.
Devin Brown, the guy who fought through injuries and multiple coaching changes, finally decided to seek a fresh start. He headed to Cal initially before landing at Weber State. It sucks for Buckeyes fans because Brown was a locker room favorite, but you can’t blame a guy for wanting to actually play football.
Then there’s Air Noland. He was the "other" five-star in that 2024 class. He saw the writing on the wall and headed to South Carolina. It’s the new reality of the sport—if you aren't the guy by year two, you’re probably looking for a new jersey.
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The 2025 Depth Chart: Behind the Scenes
So, if Sayin is the man, who’s backing him up? It’s a bit thinner than Buckeye fans are used to, but the talent is still high.
Lincoln Kienholz stayed through the season as the primary backup, providing a massive safety net. He’s used in situational packages because his mobility is a weapon that Sayin doesn't quite have. If Sayin is the surgeon, Kienholz is the sledgehammer.
Behind them, you have the hometown hero Tavien St. Clair. He’s a true freshman, but don't let that fool you. He’s huge, has a literal cannon for an arm, and many scouts think he’s actually the best pro prospect of the bunch. He’s been content to learn the system this year, but 2026 is going to be a wild competition between him and Sayin.
What This Means for the Offense
Under Will Howard, the offense was efficient and physical. With the Ohio State starting QB 2025 being Julian Sayin, the playbook has opened up vertically.
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Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate are arguably the best duo in the country, and Sayin is the perfect trigger man for them. He puts the ball in spots where only his guy can get it. Honestly, it looks a lot more like the C.J. Stroud years than the Kyle McCord or Howard years.
The Realistic Outlook
Is he perfect? No. He’s still a redshirt freshman. He’s going to take some sacks he shouldn't, and he might struggle against a complex blitz package from a team like Penn State or Michigan. But the floor is so high with his accuracy that the Buckeyes are almost guaranteed to be a top-5 scoring offense.
If you’re looking for a Heisman candidate, you’ve found him. Sayin was a finalist for a reason. He’s led this team to a 12-1 record and a #2 seed in the playoffs. He isn't just a "game manager." He’s a game changer.
Actionable Insights for Buckeye Fans
If you're following the team this season, here are a few things to keep an eye on:
- Watch the first quarter: Sayin tends to start games 10-for-10. If he misses a couple early, it usually means the opposing DC has found a way to disguise his coverages.
- The Kienholz Package: Look for #3 to come in near the red zone. Ohio State loves using his legs to create a 12-on-11 advantage in the run game.
- Draft Stock: Sayin isn't eligible for the NFL Draft yet, but scouts are already calling him a "lock" for the first round in 2027. Enjoy him while he's here.
- Monitor the Portal: With Devin Brown and Air Noland gone, the Buckeyes will likely look for a veteran graduate transfer this spring just to ensure they aren't one injury away from a true freshman starting in a playoff game.
The transition from the Will Howard era to the Julian Sayin era has been remarkably smooth. It’s a testament to Ryan Day’s ability to recruit over himself and keep the talent pipeline flowing. Whether Sayin can finish what Howard started and bring another trophy back to Columbus remains to be seen, but the kid certainly has the arm to do it.
Next Steps for You:
If you want to see how Sayin stacks up against the rest of the Big Ten, I can break down the stats from the Michigan game or give you a look at how Tavien St. Clair is progressing in practice for next year.