Julian Sayin Drops Bold Will Howard Revelation as Ryan Day Zeroes in on Ohio State’s Next Quarterback
The air in Columbus crackles with anticipation—and a touch of anxiety—as Ohio State finds itself at a pivotal crossroads. The Buckeyes, fresh off a long-awaited national championship, now face the unenviable task of replacing the steady leadership and pinpoint precision of quarterback Will Howard. And in the high-stakes world of college football, there’s no grace period for transition. The hunt for OSU’s next signal-caller has sparked a battle royale among three young, untested yet immensely talented contenders: Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz, and Tavien St. Clair.
But what makes this QB competition even more compelling? Sayin himself has just made a candid admission about Howard’s leadership—a void that now looms large over the Buckeyes’ locker room.
The “Sayin Saga”: A New Era Dawns in Columbus
For a decade, Buckeye Nation endured a championship drought, their thirst for a national title growing ever more insatiable. That dry spell finally ended, and the program’s dazzling receiving corps rightly earned much of the credit. However, the man orchestrating the offense—Will Howard—was just as crucial to Ohio State’s triumphant campaign. A veteran presence under center, Howard provided more than just a strong arm and precise reads; he was a locker-room anchor, a leader who commanded the respect of his teammates.
Now, with Howard setting his sights on the NFL, Ohio State must turn to a fresh face. But leadership isn’t something you can teach overnight, and stepping into Howard’s shoes is no small task. As Ryan Day sifts through his options, one name stands out: Julian Sayin, the highly touted five-star recruit who many believe is primed to take over the reins.
Sayin himself understands the magnitude of the role. Speaking after a recent spring practice, he acknowledged the weight of the responsibility that comes with being QB1 at Ohio State.
“Will was a really great leader for this team, and it was fun to watch. He was someone everyone could relate to and was liked by all. I think if you went around and asked about Will Howard, everyone would have good things to say about him,” Sayin said.
Sayin’s words paint a clear picture: it’s not just about arm strength or decision-making—it’s about being a unifying force in the locker room. And when asked if he believed he carried that same kind of universal likeability, Sayin responded with a mix of optimism and humility:
“I hope so! When you’re in the building, you try to leave a good impression or impact on everyone.”
It’s a refreshingly honest take from a young quarterback who is about to be thrust into the spotlight. But does Sayin have what it takes to be Ohio State’s next great field general?
Julian Sayin: The Answer to Ryan Day’s Biggest Dilemma?
Ohio State’s quarterback room is overflowing with talent but light on experience. Between Sayin, St. Clair, and Kienholz, the trio has combined for just 15 collegiate completions—a stark contrast to Howard’s seasoned command of the offense. However, raw talent is not in short supply.
Sayin and St. Clair are both top-three five-star quarterbacks in their respective classes, while Kienholz—though slightly less heralded—is a four-star prospect with undeniable upside. But the early consensus among analysts? Julian Sayin has the inside track to win the job.
Why? Experience within the system.
Despite never having started a game, Sayin has been absorbing Ryan Day’s offense, building chemistry with OSU’s elite receiving corps, and shadowing Will Howard for the past year. That developmental head start might be the difference-maker.
One national analyst, On3’s J.D. PicKell, has already weighed in, tipping Sayin as the frontrunner:
“You watch Julian Sayin drop back, and there’s something different to him. The football jumps out of his hand—quick release, effortless motion. I truly believe he will win the job.”
PicKell’s insight aligns with observations from Letterman Row, On3’s Ohio State affiliate, which noted that Sayin’s mechanics and command in practice have been turning heads.
The Countdown to a High-Stakes Season Opener
Ohio State doesn’t have the luxury of easing its next quarterback into action. The Buckeyes open the season against Texas on August 30, in what could be a colossal showdown between Julian Sayin and Arch Manning at The Shoe.
With such a high-profile matchup looming, Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Brian Hartline must get this decision right. The Buckeyes cannot afford a slow start, and their chosen quarterback needs to be firing on all cylinders from day one.
While Lincoln Kienholz and Tavien St. Clair will undoubtedly fight tooth and nail for the starting gig, all signs point to Julian Sayin being the guy to lead Ohio State into the post-Will Howard era.
But will Sayin be ready for the spotlight? Can he fill the leadership void Howard left behind? And most importantly—will he prove to be the difference between another title run or a season of unfulfilled potential?
One thing is certain: the Sayin Saga is just beginning, and it’s shaping up to be must-watch drama in Columbus.