Ohio State names Sayin starting QB

Quarterback Julian Sayin will be Ohio State's Week 1 starting quarterback against Texas, head coach Ryan Day announced Monday.

The redshirt freshman beat out Lincoln Kienholz for the position. Sayin was an ESPN 300 five-star recruit in the 2024 class, ranking as the second quarterback behind only Florida's DJ Lagway.

Sayin initially signed with Alabama but transferred to Ohio State once Nick Saban announced his retirement in January 2024. He only attempted 12 passes in 2024 while sitting behind starter Will Howard en route to the Buckeyes' National Championship win over Notre Dame.

The 20-year-old will be the first Ohio State signal-caller with no previous starting experience to lead the team in Week 1 since C.J. Stroud in 2021.

Ohio State averaged 35.7 points per contest in 2024, ranking ninth in all of college football. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who took the NCAA by storm as a freshman last year, is set to be Sayin's top offensive target.

Sayin will face off against Arch Manning and the Longhorns in the season opener on Aug. 30.