As Rivalry Week rapidly approaches against their traditional foes from the Team Up North, Ohio State’s head coach Ryan Day is closely monitoring the growth of his talented quarterback lineup. With an impressive roster that includes Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz, and Tavien St. Clair, Day is focused on refining their performances as the Buckeyes prepare for their next challenge.
Julian Sayin, already viewed as a Heisman contender, has emerged as the standout performer after leading Ohio State to ten consecutive victories since their season opener against Texas. The Buckeyes are in a strong position for postseason contention and are eyeing another national championship to add to their illustrious history. Speaking on the Ryan Day Radio Show, the coach expressed confidence in Sayin’s positive mindset and preparation as the team gears up for a game against Rutgers.
“Had a good week of work. Really good mindset,” Day noted about Sayin, who has already amassed an impressive 25 touchdown passes this season. The talented quarterback has benefited from playing alongside elite wide receivers, including Jeremiah Smith, a Heisman contender himself, and Carnell Tate. Sayin’s recent performance against Penn State underscored his precision, where he completed 85% of his passes for over 300 yards and four touchdowns, a feat that caught the attention of even rival alumni. Former Michigan tight end Jake Butt praised Sayin’s skills, highlighting his exceptional accuracy and likening him to an Olympic archer. Legendary coach Nick Saban also lauded the 6’1.5″, 190-pound quarterback for his ability to make any throw necessary.
Coming off a dominant 48-10 victory against UCLA, Sayin is now focusing on his last home game against Rutgers before turning attention to the rivalry showdown with Michigan. However, uncertainty looms as two of his key offensive weapons, Smith and Tate, may face limited availability due to injury concerns—Smith with a lingering ankle issue and Tate sustaining a calf injury. While Day has not ruled them out for Saturday’s game, he has not provided further details.
In addition to Sayin, Day has highlighted the progress of his other quarterbacks, including redshirt sophomore Lincoln Kienholz and freshman Tavien St. Clair. Kienholz has shown resilience in his backup role, appearing in five games this season with a remarkable 90.9 completion percentage. His ability to connect on all three of his pass attempts for 34 yards against UCLA has showcased his potential. Day humorously noted Kienholz’s competitive nature, emphasizing the importance of staying safe during play.
On the other hand, St. Clair remains in development as he holds the third spot in the depth chart. Despite only seeing limited action during his freshman campaign, he has displayed promise and potential through his practice sessions and game appearances. Day compared St. Clair’s growth to that of junior linebacker Arvell Reese, who has seen significant success after his freshman year.
With continuing encouragement and strategic guidance from Ryan Day, both Sayin and Kienholz are set to further their development alongside St. Clair, all in hopes of leading Ohio State to continued success in the upcoming challenges. The Buckeyes are determined to capitalize on their strengths and seize the moment as they gear up for the critical matches ahead.