Ryan Day’s Shocking Decision Leaves Starting Quarterback Battle Hanging in the Balance

Who knew a 12-team college football championship could feel like the ultimate game of musical chairs? After edging out 11 other powerhouses in a groundbreaking title run, Ohio State’s Ryan Day finally silenced critics who doubted his knack for clutch moments — but now, with 14 players drafted (including star QB Will Howard), the real question stares right down the field: who’s ready to take that snap and lead the Buckeyes to another slam dunk title? Spring ball’s heating up, and Day’s narrowed the quarterback battle to a thrilling “two-horse race” between Lincoln Kineholz and Julian Sayin—while five-star phenom Tavien St. Clair is still finding his footing amid the whirlwind pace of college ball. So, can Day’s fresh faces rise to glory without hitting the transfer portal this time? The countdown is on as August 30th looms for that Cotton Bowl rematch with Texas—a game that might just answer the season’s biggest “what if.” Intrigued? Dive into the full scoop and see what Ohio State’s future looks like. LEARN MORE.

The Ohio State Buckeyes outlasted 11 other programs to become the first-ever 12-team championship in the history of the sport earlier this year. The win was a moment of vindication for head coach Ryan Day, who had been criticized by the fansbase for inconsistency and lack of results in big games over the last few years.

The Buckeyes were able to put all of the pieces together, but many of those players graduated or left for the NFL Draft. 14 Ohio State players were drafted last week, one shy of the all-time record held by Georgia after their second national title win.

One of those players was Day’s starting quarterback, Will Howard – now with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Spring ball has started and there’s a few months left until Ohio State’s season opener, but Day is already one step closer to finding his new starter.

Day says that the starting quarterback job has now come down to a “two-horse race” between Lincon Kineholz and Julian Sayin. Five-star freshman Tavien St. Clair, in Day’s eyes, needs more time to get adjusted to college football before he’s ready to start.

“I think it’s fair to say that Tavien probably has the longest way to go just because of just the lack of experience,” Day said.

“I think it’s easy to see – you guys saw it on Saturday, the talent and his ability to run, his athleticism, the arm. He has all those things. He just needs to play more, he needs to see it more. The game’s just moving really fast for him right now but he’s picking it up, he’s getting it every day. So, I’d say he probably has the farthest way to go and then Lincoln and Julian are pretty much neck-and-neck right now.”

Ohio State went to the transfer portal to find a quarterback last season, but that won’t be necessary this time around. 

As the Game 1 starting roster is finalized, we’ll see which direction Day decides to go in when the Buckeyes open the season on August 30 in a Cotton Bowl rematch against Texas.

Related: Former 5-Star Wide Receiver Hykeem Williams Announces Transfer