So, you’re looking at the Buckeyes and wondering who’s actually taking the snaps. It’s a valid question. The quarterback room in Columbus has felt like a high-speed revolving door lately. But if you’ve been paying attention to the 2025 season that just wrapped up, or you're looking ahead to the 2026 run, there is one name that basically owns the conversation: Julian Sayin.
Honestly, the kid is a freak. He didn't just win the job; he redefined what Ryan Day’s offense looks like. After the Will Howard era ended with a literal National Championship trophy in the case, everyone assumed there would be a drop-off. Nope. Sayin stepped in as a true sophomore and turned the Big Ten into his personal playground.
Who is Ohio State's quarterback right now?
As of early 2026, Julian Sayin is the undisputed starter.
He’s not just "the guy" by default. We’re talking about a Heisman Trophy finalist who just finished a season where he completed 77% of his passes. That isn't a typo. He threw for over 3,600 yards and 32 touchdowns in 2024-2025. You’ve probably seen the highlights of him hitting Jeremiah Smith on those back-shoulder fades that look impossible to defend. It’s a connection that feels like cheat codes in a video game.
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The path here was a bit wild, though. Sayin originally signed with Alabama, but after Nick Saban retired, he hopped in the portal and landed in Columbus. It was the biggest "get" for Ryan Day since... well, maybe ever. He spent a year learning the system while Will Howard led the team to that 2024 title, and then he just took over.
The 2026 Depth Chart: It’s Not Just Sayin
While Sayin is the headliner, the room behind him has shifted a ton. If you're following the recruiting trail, you know the Buckeyes don't just settle for one five-star.
- Julian Sayin (Junior): The starter. The star. The guy most scouts think will be a top-five NFL draft pick in 2027.
- Tavien St. Clair (Redshirt Freshman): This is the homegrown hero. St. Clair is a massive 6-foot-4 kid from Bellefontaine, Ohio. He was the #1 overall recruit in some rankings for the 2025 class. He sat last year, taking a redshirt, but he’s the clear heir apparent.
- Justyn Martin (Senior/Transfer): This is a new development. Martin just transferred in from UCLA/Maryland this January. He’s a veteran with a big arm who knows he’s likely backing up Sayin this year, but he wants to compete for the job once Sayin goes pro.
- Luke Fahey (Freshman): The new kid on the block. He’ll likely spend the year learning how to signal plays and holding a clipboard.
It’s worth noting that the room got a lot thinner recently. Lincoln Kienholz, who was a fan favorite for his grit, officially entered the transfer portal on New Year's Day 2026. He’s looking for a place where he can actually start rather than waiting behind a Heisman finalist. Same goes for the guys who left before him—Air Noland is at Memphis now, and Devin Brown just signed with Weber State after a stint at Cal.
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Why the Hype is Actually Justified
People love to talk about "Ohio State QBs" as system products. You hear it all the time. But Sayin is different because of his processing speed.
He doesn't just have a big arm; he knows where the ball is going before the defender even moves. Last season, he had a stretch of games against Wisconsin and Penn State where he basically didn't miss. He set a school record by completing 16 straight passes to start the Grambling game. Sure, it's Grambling, but 16 for 16 is tough to do in an empty gym, let alone a stadium with 100,000 people watching.
The 2025 season did have some heartbreak, though. The losses to Indiana in the Big Ten title game and Miami in the playoff quarterfinals still sting for Buckeyes fans. Sayin played well, but he showed he’s human. He threw two picks in that Miami game, which was a rare lapse in judgment for a guy who usually protects the ball like it’s a family heirloom.
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What to Expect Next
If you’re a fan or just someone trying to keep up with the depth chart, here is the reality: Julian Sayin is going to be the face of college football in 2026.
He’s got the best receiving corps in the country returning with him. Jeremiah Smith is back. Brandon Inniss is back. The offensive line is mostly intact. This is a "National Championship or bust" year for Sayin.
For those tracking the future, keep your eyes on Tavien St. Clair during the spring game. There’s a lot of "the next CJ Stroud" talk surrounding him. But for now, if someone asks who is Ohio State's quarterback, the answer starts and ends with number 10.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch the Spring Game: This is where you'll see if Justyn Martin or Tavien St. Clair has the edge for the QB2 spot.
- Monitor the Heisman Odds: Sayin is already opening as a top-three favorite for the 2026 trophy alongside Arch Manning.
- Check the Portal: While the main window just closed, the post-spring window is always a wild card for depth pieces.