Eric Boggs
Ohio State fans now have their answer at the most important position on the field. After months of anticipation and a heated competition, head coach Ryan Day officially named Julian Sayin the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback for the season opener against Texas in two weeks.
Day confirmed that Sayin had pulled ahead of redshirt sophomore Lincoln Keinholz during the final stretch of preseason camp, citing consistency and command as the deciding factors. “Julian separated himself really over the last week with his consistent play,” Day said. “We all feel confident both guys can win a game for us, but Julian was more consistent.”
The announcement comes after one of the more closely watched quarterback battles in recent Ohio State history. While Keinholz impressed throughout camp and remains firmly in the mix, Day made it clear that the redshirt freshman will take the majority of first-team reps moving forward. “Lincoln did a lot of great things, but we’re going to name Julian the starter here, give him the majority of the reps with the ones, and go prepare to beat Texas,” Day explained.
Day emphasized that Keinholz still has a crucial role to play this season. “He knows in his heart he’s going to play this year,” Day said. “He’s a competitor. I wouldn’t say he’s discouraged. He had good energy, good leadership, and the team knows we’re going to need him.”
As for Sayin, the traits that won him the job are ones Ohio State fans have been eager to see translate onto the field. “He’s smart, poised, has good composure, good timing, and has really built command and confidence,” Day said. “You see the accuracy, the ball getting out of his hand quickly, and the ability to make good decisions. He can fit the ball into tight spaces, throw it away when we need to, and he has a good feel for the pocket.”
Day admitted the decision crystallized only about a week ago after watching Sayin handle game-like situations in practice. “There were a couple reps where the rush was getting to him, and in those moments you’ve got to make quick decisions,” Day recalled. “He made the routine plays routinely, showed command in the huddle, and that’s when I felt like we could win with this guy.”
Even with a talented supporting cast around him, Day knows the challenge Sayin faces as a first-time starter in a marquee matchup against the nation’s top-ranked team. “This is the first time in a couple years we’ve had a starter going into August who’s never started a game,” Day said. “What’s fair to expect? Just win, baby. That’s it. One more point than them. We’re going to let it rip.”
For Buckeye Nation, the focus now shifts to Texas as Sayin leads Ohio State into one of the biggest openers in program history. And while the competition is settled for now, both Sayin and Keinholz will be critical pieces if the Buckeyes are going to make a run at another national championship.
