Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin was named the Buckeyes starter before the marquee matchup with No. 1 Texas to open the 2025 season.
The former five-star quarterback transfer from Alabama beat out Lincoln Kienholz. He'll pick up where Will Howard left off after bringing a national championship back to Columbus for the first time in over a decade.
"Our guys are confident again with both quarterbacks; we'll need both quarterbacks," Day told reporters. "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 [starters] and go prepare to beat Texas."
With three former blue-chip recruits competing for the job at OSU, there was going to be an odd man out. Still, the fact that none of the quarterbacks on the 2025 roster have started a college game amplified the stakes of the competition. Immediately following the news of Ryan Day naming Sayin as the starting quarterback, one of Texas’ top defensive players took to social media with a clear message for the Buckeyes QB.
Longhorns linebacker Collin Simmons posted a picture of Sayin. His post had no caption, but he made it crystal clear that Sayin is in his sights. The top pass rusher had nine sacks last season as a freshman and looks to build off his initial success.
Colin Simmons is going to register 400 sacks in Columbus. pic.twitter.com/GCPUoQhLhS
— Ghost of Texas Football (@FortyAcreVibes) August 18, 2025
Sayin appeared in four games for Ohio State in 2024, logging 27 snaps and completing 5 of 12 passes for 84 yards and a touchdown. He entered the offseason as the favorite to win the job, earning praise from several Ohio State players who moved on to the NFL from the national championship team
So, you're Sayin(g) it's personal? It appears to be. No. 3 Ohio State will open the season on a big stage by hosting top-ranked Texas on Saturday, August 30 (Noon ET on FOX).
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