Eric Boggs
As the Ohio State Buckeyes approach their annual spring game, head coach Ryan Day made it clear during Monday’s press conference that while the team has shown promising growth, there’s still plenty of work to be done. At the heart of the conversation: a tight quarterback battle and the ongoing development of young players stepping into bigger roles.
Reflecting on Saturday’s practice, Day emphasized that despite the presence of media and students, it was “just another practice”—but a reminder of how crucial every rep is. “Every single play matters,” Day said. “We’ve got to get better every day.” That mindset, he noted, is shared across the coaching staff, especially quarterbacks coach Bill Fessler and offensive coordinator Brian Hartline.
The quarterback competition remains the centerpiece of spring storylines in Columbus. With Lincoln Kienholz, Julian Sayin, and early enrollee Tavien St. Clair vying for the starting job, Day acknowledged that no one has pulled significantly ahead. “They’re going to continue to compete,” he said. “Lincoln and Julian are neck and neck right now. Tavien, he probably has the farthest to go just because of his lack of experience, but his talent is obvious.”
The decision to make the quarterbacks “live” during practice—something Day has rarely done—was born out of necessity. With the season opener looming against Texas, he believed it was critical for his quarterbacks to experience real pressure. “It was a calculated risk,” he said. “But each of them needed it for different reasons. You can’t simulate the speed and chaos of the game unless you feel it.”
Kienholz in particular has been turning heads. “You saw his potential on some of the throws he made,” Day said. “Now we just need him to make the routine plays consistently.” The focus, as always, remains on precision and consistency, not flash. “Sometimes that can be boring,” Day noted. “But that’s playing the position of quarterback.”
On the other side of the ball, young linebacker Peyton Pierce has stood out. Day called him a “great tackler” with strong instincts and praised his development under the guidance of Matt Guerrieri. Coming off a freshman season and fully healthy, Pierce is “playing fast” and positioning himself for a major impact this fall.
The offensive line is also seeing shifts. Austin Siereveld is becoming a key piece in the right tackle competition, showcasing versatility as both a guard and tackle. “He’s shown the mental ability to handle multiple positions,” Day said. “He’s getting to the point where I think he could start at either.”
Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith continues to shine—on and off the field. Day praised his expanding route tree, maturity, and impact on younger teammates. But with rising fame, Day says the team has a plan to keep Smith grounded. “He’s one of the most high-profile players in the country now,” Day acknowledged. “But he’s a private person, and we’re helping him navigate that spotlight.”
Another freshman, Quincy Porter, was the first to lose his black stripe this spring—a sign he’s earned the respect of his teammates and coaches. Day highlighted Porter’s “grit, toughness, and contested catches” as reasons for his early impact.
As for defensive tackle depth—a key concern heading into 2025—Day admitted there’s still progress to be made. “There’s ability there, but consistency is what we’re pushing for,” he said.
With Saturday’s spring game set to showcase the team’s progress, Day warned fans not to overreact to every throw or play. “It’s a piece of the puzzle,” he said. “This is just the beginning. These quarterbacks all have the ability to do it. It’s just about who can grow the fastest.”
In typical Ryan Day fashion, the process remains paramount. “We’re young and inexperienced, but we’re getting better. We just need more football.”
