Ohio State University (OSU) is celebrating its 2024 football season after securing its ninth national title with a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship. As the Buckeyes prepare for the 2025 season, they have begun spring practices, which started on March 17, leading up to the Spring Bowl at Ohio Stadium on April 12.
A key focus this offseason is the quarterback competition. With the departure of Will Howard to the NFL, three scholarship quarterbacks—Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz, and Tavien St. Clair—are competing for the starting role.
Head coach Ryan Day has stressed the importance of work ethic in his quarterbacks. He explained that the quarterback should be the hardest-working player on the team, setting an example for everyone else. “If someone asks who the hardest-working guy is, it should always be the quarterback. If it’s anyone else, that’s a problem. The quarterback should be the first one in the building and the last one to leave,” Day said.
In addition to work ethic, toughness is another quality Day looks for in his quarterbacks. He emphasized that when faced with a crucial situation, such as a 4th-and-2 against a team like Texas, the quarterback must find a way to get the necessary yards. Day pointed out that all three quarterbacks—Kienholz, Sayin, and St. Clair—understand this expectation, and it is reinforced by strength and conditioning coach Mick Marotti in the weight room.
Julian Sayin, a former five-star recruit, has garnered significant attention during spring practices. His “effortless zip” on throws and quick release have made him a strong contender for the starting quarterback position.
The Spring Bowl on April 12 will be a critical opportunity for fans and coaches to assess the quarterbacks’ progress and evaluate the team as a whole. This period of evaluation is vital for the Buckeyes as they aim to build on their national championship success and continue their dominance in college football.