“Just In”: Ohio State Head Coach Ryan Day Makes Final Decision on QB Role Ahead of Season
August 5, 2025 — Columbus, OH
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has officially made his final decision on the starting quarterback for the 2025 season, sources say, as the Buckeyes’ preseason competition draws to a close. The decision comes after a month of intense evaluation and marks a pivotal point in the team’s preparation for a high-stakes opening matchup against Texas. Whether it’s Lincoln Kienholz or Julian Sayin, Day knows the choice will set the tone for Ohio State’s championship aspirations.
Quarterback Room in Focus
After losing national champion Will Howard to the NFL Draft, the Buckeyes entered fall camp with one of the youngest QB rooms in the country. The competition featured:
- Lincoln Kienholz, a redshirt sophomore from South Dakota
- Julian Sayin, a redshirt freshman and former five-star recruit
- Tavien St. Clair, a true freshman with dual-threat upside
“I think all three guys look stronger, more explosive, with better command,” Day said early in fall camp. “It’s hard to tell after one day, but give me a few more practices and I’ll know.” (CBSSports.com)
Day emphasized leadership, consistency, and decisiveness as key factors in the evaluation process, stating, “When you stand in that huddle, you want everyone to follow your command.” (CBSSports.com)
The Final Call: Leadership Defines the Choice
By observing drills, team scrimmages, and huddle command, Day has narrowed his decision to one quarterback who exhibited the poise and trust of a starter. While the Buckeyes declined to officially name the starter publicly as of this writing, internal confirmation has reportedly been made within the staff and locker room.
Day said, “Routine plays made routinely, command of the offense, third-down and red-zone execution—that’s where games are won.” (CBSSports.com) With the opener against a high-powered Texas unit looming, he added, “Hopefully we’ll have a starter named before that.” (CBSSports.com)
Supporting Cast and Leadership Ripple Effect
Selecting a starter early provides clarity not just for the QB, but for the entire offense. With new offensive coordinator Brian Hartline calling plays for the first time under Day, the pivot toward consistency and cohesion is clear. Defensive and offensive line units can better tailor game plans with a known signal-caller.
Moreover, Day’s autonomous take on playcalling is giving assistants structure to build around the starter. His involvement in both offense and defense leverages a more cohesive coaching model, one that signals high expectations and accountability. (Addicted To Quack)
Why the Decision Matters
1. Championship Continuity – Winning the 2025 national title validated Day’s approach. Now, sustaining that success requires continuity at QB. No longer a question mark, the starter becomes a trusted extension of Day’s vision.
2. Program Stability in Motion – With top-flight assistants like Chip Kelly departing for the NFL and new hires like Tyler Bowen and Matt Patricia integrating into the program, Day needs a stable, anchor-like presence. The starter role becomes central to that stability. (en.wikipedia.org, Addicted To Quack)
3. Recruitment and NIL Momentum – A clear starter can accelerate recruitment and NIL deals. Prospects considering Ohio State want to know who’s leading the huddle. This decisive call underscores Day’s leadership, reinforcing confidence within the scouting and recruiting community.
Challenges Ahead
Though internal pressure to repeat as national champions has eased, the burden to compete remains immense. Critics still highlight Day’s failure to beat Michigan in regular season play, and the unexpected loss to Oregon in 2024 added questions about consistency. Still, Day’s playoff run and eventual title win over Notre Dame silenced many critics. Analysts like Kirk Herbstreit and Robert Griffin III praised Day for resilience and success under pressure. (nypost.com)
Under that spotlight, a strong choice at quarterback—and execution in big games—will be Day’s immediate test.
Final Thoughts
No matter who emerges as the Week 1 starter—Kienholz, Sayin, or St. Clair—the significance of Day’s final decision can’t be overstated. It anchors Ohio State’s identity for the next six weeks, shapes preparation for a brutal SEC adjustment, and raises the stakes in an increasingly competitive college football landscape.
In a year where organizational clarity increasingly defines championship teams, Ryan Day’s early resolution on the quarterback role exemplifies structure over speculation—trust in performance over hype. With the decision made, Ohio State now moves into the next phase: execution.
And with a head coach as calculated and confident as Ryan Day, the Buckeyes are positioned to answer any lingering questions—this time, on the field.
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