Julian Sayin understands what comes with being Ohio State’s quarterback.
Despite his California roots, the five-star transfer knows the stakes at a program where expectations are championship-or-bust. The Buckeyes are defending national champions with an .884 winning percentage since 2014—slightly better than Alabama’s .883 for best in FBS.
Sayin transferred from Alabama after Nick Saban’s retirement and now finds himself competing with Lincoln Kienholz for the starting job.
“When you’re at a big-time program like Ohio State, everything is judged,” Sayin said at a March 19 press conference. “Everything you do is important. How your locker looks is important. All the small details.”
Ohio State coach Ryan Day has declared the competition “pretty much neck-and-neck right now.”
Both quarterbacks will face another evaluation at the Ohio State Spring Football Showcase at noon Saturday at Ohio Stadium, televised on Big Ten Network.
This represents the final public look before the season opener against Arch Manning and Texas on August 30—a CFP semifinal rematch that could feature the nation’s top two teams.
The Five-Star Talent
More than a hundred reporters, high school coaches and recruits watched spring practice at Woody Hayes Athletic Center on March 19, with particular attention on the quarterbacks.
Sayin, Kienholz and freshman Tavian St. Clair worked through passing drills alongside Day, who still shows the form from his playing days at New Hampshire (1998-2001).
What stands out about Sayin is his release.
“I’ve naturally had a quick release,” Sayin said. “Coming out of high school, I always had a quick release, and I’ve been trying to get it quicker.”
Will Howard, who led Ohio State to last season’s national championship, praised Sayin’s mechanics at the NFL Scouting Combine.
“It looks so great coming out of his hand,” Howard told reporters. “It spins prettier than anything. I’ve seen a lot of balls come out of quarterbacks’ hands. He’s got a real chance to be elite.”
The 6-foot-1, 203-pound sophomore wears No. 10—the same number Joe Burrow wore at Ohio State.
Sayin completed 10 of 17 passes for 85 yards with an interception in last year’s Spring Showcase and went 5 of 12 for 84 yards and a touchdown during the regular season.
Quarterback coach Billy Fessler, promoted from analyst this season, sees more than just the quick release.
“Julian definitely has a quick release, that’s for sure,” Fessler said. “It can definitely be an advantage in getting the ball to the receivers quickly, but at the same point you can’t sacrifice arm strength for a quick release.”
Following a Championship Act
Howard, a Kansas State transfer, passed for 4,010 yards with 35 touchdowns and 10 interceptions during the championship season.
He elevated his play during the four-game playoff run, completing 75.3% of his passes for 1,150 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions.
“Will, when it came to intangibles, after 35 years I can’t say anything crazy like that was by far the best I’ve seen doing it,” Fessler said. “I think what he did best was just having a complete understanding of the offense.”
Sayin believes he now has that same understanding with Day, Fessler and new offensive coordinator Brian Hartline, who was promoted after Chip Kelly left for the Las Vegas Raiders.
When asked how the offense differs under Hartline, Sayin replied with a smile: “I’m not sure.”
The response drew laughs—Sayin knows the changes but wasn’t sure how much Hartline would want him sharing.
Sayin has also studied Howard’s leadership approach.
“He was someone who everyone could relate to and liked by everyone,” Sayin said. “I think if you went around the Woody and asked about Will Howard, then everyone would have good things to say about him. I’m trying to take that approach. It’s definitely not easy, but it’s something that I’m trying to work on.”
Howard noticed Sayin’s growth throughout last season.
“He was a little soft spoken at first, but now this is his sophomore year, man,” Howard said. “I’m excited for him to take that step and be a leader for this team. The talent is there, man.”
The Pressure of Ohio State
The “National Champions 2024” banner hung conspicuously behind Sayin during his March media session.
Day has established clear expectations for his quarterback, saying they should be “the first one in the building and the last one to leave” and must be tough in critical situations.
“If it’s fourth-and-2 against Texas, we have to find a way to get three yards,” Day said.
Ohio State has hosted several high-profile quarterback competitions during the playoff era—Cardale Jones vs. JT Barrett (2015), Dwayne Haskins vs. Joe Burrow (2018), and Justin Fields vs. CJ Stroud (2020). Four of those quarterbacks became first-round NFL draft picks.
This competition differs in the NIL and transfer portal era. The challenge is retaining both Sayin and Kienholz while developing St. Clair, another five-star talent.
Fessler acknowledges the unique pressure of the Ohio State quarterback position.
“It’s pretty cool up in the quarterback room, we have pictures of all the great Ohio State quarterbacks up on the wall,” Fessler said. “You go through and take a look at those guys, and it’s pretty neat. Above all, you can talk about some of those guys’ mental makeup and what made them different. How do we find those guys and bring them in with recruiting?”
When asked about handling pressure, Sayin’s responses became noticeably rehearsed:
“I don’t listen to the outside noise. Just focused on getting better every day.”
“I’m really just focused on the fundamentals and improving every day and just getting better.”
“I saw that last year and just how much noise there is, and I think you have to block out the noise.”
Whoever wins the job faces enormous expectations: end the four-game losing streak to Michigan, win the Big Ten, and lead another national championship run.
Howard’s legacy changed dramatically after winning the national championship, erasing concerns from the regular-season loss to Michigan. Stroud faced criticism after consecutive losses to the Wolverines. Kyle McCord transferred after one season as starter.
Saturday’s spring showcase will provide the first real indication of whether Kienholz can truly challenge Sayin heading into fall camp.
If Sayin wins the job, he’ll aim to join Ohio State’s national championship quarterback fraternity: Rex Kern, Craig Krenzel, Cardale Jones and Will Howard.
“When I first got here, I was still learning how everything works and learning what you’re doing,” Sayin said. “Now, I think I know what I’m doing within the plays and how the program works. It’s been good to get adjusted.”
