Ohio State QB Julian Sayin Expected To Start 2025 Season

The Ohio State Buckeyes will have a new starting quarterback for the 2025 season following their national championship win, with redshirt freshman Julian Sayin widely expected to take over the role. Sayin, a former five-star recruit who transferred from Alabama after Nick Saban's retirement, is considered the leading candidate over competitors Lincoln Kienholz and freshman Tavien St. Clair. While Sayin has limited in-game experience, with only 12 career pass attempts, analysts like Josh Pate rank him as the No. 2 quarterback in the Big Ten, signaling high expectations. Despite some struggles during spring practice and intense competition from Kienholz, Sayin is generating early Heisman Trophy hype and is expected to be under center for Ohio State's season opener against Texas. The quarterback competition and Sayin's development are seen as pivotal for Ohio State’s offense as they aim to maintain their recent success amid the ongoing rivalry with Michigan, whose new quarterback Bryce Underwood is also highly touted. Overall, Sayin's potential multi-year starting tenure represents a significant transition for Ohio State's football program in 2025 and beyond.