Ohio State QB Battle Heats Up: Sayin vs. Kienholz in Preseason Showdown

UPDATE: The quarterback competition at Ohio State is tightening as Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz vie for the starting spot just weeks before the season opener. Following the first quarter of preseason practices, head coach Ryan Day confirmed the race remains “too close to call.”

The urgency is palpable as the Buckeyes prepare for their first game against Texas on August 30, 2023. Day emphasized that both quarterbacks have displayed promising moments but also areas needing improvement. “The competition continues,” he stated. “They both have had good moments and moments where they’re growing… It’s going to go right down to the wire.”

The stakes are high as both players aim to fill the shoes of Will Howard, who left Ohio State after leading the team to a national title with impressive stats: 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns. Sayin and Kienholz bring limited experience, with a combined total of just 34 pass attempts and 90 college snaps.

Quarterbacks coach Billy Fessler is pushing for consistency as practices shift to more situational drills. “We have to be great on third down and in the red zone. That’s where quarterbacks make their money,” Fessler asserted, highlighting critical areas for both competitors.

Sayin, who was previously committed to Alabama and transferred to Ohio State last spring, is slightly favored to secure the starting role. He has shown better arm strength but remains focused on his development. “I feel like I’m developing in my footwork, accuracy, and mechanics. It’s just all about building confidence,” Sayin explained.

On the other hand, Kienholz is not backing down. His last game action was in the 2023 Cotton Bowl, where he faced challenges but has since shown significant improvement during offseason workouts, earning the title of Iron Buckeye. “I’ve been in the offense for three years now… more time, more reps, and film study have helped me get better,” he noted.

Joining the competition is freshman Tavien St. Clair, who is still acclimating to the offense after participating in spring practices. Meanwhile, Coach Day and his staff are assessing other positions to solidify the starting lineup by the end of the week.

“This is moving week,” Day remarked, using a golf analogy to describe the urgency of establishing the team’s identity. “We want to have our identity… but the players can tell us what we’re doing.”

Stay tuned as this intense quarterback battle unfolds, promising to shape the Buckeyes’ season ahead. Fans will be eagerly watching for any updates as the August 30 opener approaches.