Ohio State coach Ryan Day didn’t waste words on Monday. With the Texas matchup just 12 days away, the Buckeyes have their starter.
“Julian Sayin will be the starting quarterback against Texas,” Day said bluntly. “It was a close competition. I think both guys we all feel confident can win a game for us. I think Julian separated himself really over the last week with his consistent play.”
The choice came down to trust. “You’re always looking for consistency and taking care of the football,” Day explained. “When you study the entire growth over six months, you see that there was a lot of growth made. Overall Julian was more consistent.”
Ryan Day names Julian Sayin the starting QB at @OhioStateFB.
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) August 18, 2025
🎥: @SteveHelwagen pic.twitter.com/Uu5QpOqWAw
Day stressed that this doesn’t mean the book is closed on Lincoln Kienholz. The head coach praised Lincoln on how he accepted the news. “He was great in the meeting. He knows in his heart he’s going to play this year. He had good energy. The team knows we’re going to need him. That was excellent leadership on his end.”
Sayin, meanwhile, earned the job with more than just accuracy. “Smart, poise, has good composure, can see it, has good timing,” Day said. “He’s built command and confidence. You see the accuracy, the ball getting out quickly, the ability to run the offense and make good decisions. He can fit the ball into tight spaces when he needs to.”
When pressed on expectations, Day didn’t overcomplicate it. “Just win, baby. That’s it. Find a way to win. One more point than them, 14–13 or 65–64. That’s all that matters.”
The Buckeyes believe Sayin is ready for the spotlight. And with Texas looming, Day’s message to his quarterback was simple: “Go let it rip. Play with confidence. That’s what all the preparation is for.
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