The Ohio State Buckeyes are in the midst of a quarterback battle as spring practices are underway. With Will Howard heading to the NFL draft, head coach Ryan Day faces a decision on the Buckeyes' next starting quarterback.
Former Alabama Crimson Tide transfer Julian Sayin is among the signal-callers competing for the position. Sayin is joined by returning quarterback Lincoln Kienholz and five-star freshman Tavien St. Clair.
On3.com's Pete Nakos indicated that there is already a favorite emerging in Columbus, Ohio. All indications are Sayin is generating the most buzz of the three Ohio State quarterbacks and could be in the driver's seat to win the starting gig.
"The Buckeyes are only in their second spring practice on Wednesday, but the rave reviews continue to come in on Julian Sayin from winter workouts," Nakos wrote on Wednesday. "The former five-star recruit transferred from Alabama to Ohio State shortly after Nick Saban's retirement and saw minimal playing time in 2024.
Early in the quarterback competition but man the way the ball just jumps off the hand of Julian Sayin is just different. pic.twitter.com/eFsDNvJZex
— The Scarlet and Gray Podcast (@TheSG_Podcast) March 19, 2025
"A source told On3 that his quick release has impressed. Another source told On3 at the NFL combine that Sayin's arm is 'the real deal.'"
Sayin admits that he is trying to learn from the success Howard had at Ohio State during the team's national championship run.
Julian Sayin to Jeremiah Smith during Ohio State's first day of spring practice pic.twitter.com/vx1goGNB7M
— Stephen Means (@Stephen_Means) March 17, 2025
"Will was a really great leader for this team and it was fun to watch," Sayin noted, per Lettermen Row's Spencer Holbrook. "I mean, he was someone who everyone kind of could relate to and liked by everyone.
"I think if you went around the Woody and asked about Will Howard, everyone would have good things to say about him. So I think that's something that I'm trying to take that approach."
On3 projects that Sayin's NIL value is $1.1 million, a number that could grow if the quarterback wins the job. Given the reality of the transfer portal, fans should not be surprised if Day waits until closer to the start of the college football season to name a starter.
Related: Ohio State QB Will Howard Predicted to Replace $112 Million 10-Time Pro Bowler
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This story was originally published March 22, 2025 at 6:46 AM.