Buckeyes’ Quarterback Battle Heats Up as Julian Sayin Outshines Lincoln Kienholz in Early Camp Practices

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State’s quarterback room, already one of the most closely watched in college football, has entered the preseason with a flare of intensity. The opening days of practice have sparked heightened intrigue as true freshman Julian Sayin has emerged as a standout performer, drawing comparisons and evaluations against sophomore Lincoln Kienholz.

What began as a structured competition for the backup role behind presumed starter Will Howard has quickly evolved into a spirited battle for positioning on the depth chart. The first three sessions of the Buckeyes’ preseason camp revealed an early storyline: Sayin is not just keeping pace with Kienholz—he is pushing him, and in some moments, surpassing him.

Julian Sayin’s Sharp Start Turns Heads

Arriving in Columbus as one of the crown jewels of the 2024 recruiting class, Julian Sayin entered camp with high expectations. A former five-star recruit from California, Sayin’s reputation for poise, accuracy, and football IQ preceded him. Even so, many expected the freshman to take time adjusting to the speed of the college game.

Instead, Sayin has wasted no time demonstrating his readiness. During Friday’s and Saturday’s practices, observers noted his crisp release, calm decision-making, and a confident command of the offense. Several of his throws in seven-on-seven drills reportedly drew audible reactions from both teammates and coaches.

Sayin’s natural timing with receivers like Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate has stood out, allowing the Buckeyes to move fluidly in simulated drive scenarios. While his arm strength isn’t necessarily overwhelming, his ability to anticipate routes and deliver with precision has impressed the coaching staff early.

Lincoln Kienholz Faces Pressure to Respond

For Lincoln Kienholz, the second-year quarterback from South Dakota, the first few days of camp have been more challenging. After redshirting in 2023 and appearing in limited game action, Kienholz entered the offseason as the logical candidate to serve as Ohio State’s primary backup in 2025. However, the emergence of Sayin has complicated that assumption.

While Kienholz has showcased flashes of athleticism and a strong arm, he has also struggled with consistency. Several observers noted that he missed on a few intermediate throws and was intercepted twice during the team’s competitive periods. Coaches emphasized that mistakes in August are correctable, but the early comparison between the two quarterbacks has clearly tilted in Sayin’s favor.

We’re evaluating everything every day,” Day said. “Lincoln’s got experience in the system, and that’s valuable, but Julian’s picking things up fast. We’ll continue to rotate reps and see how things play out.

Depth Chart Implications

The Buckeyes’ quarterback hierarchy for 2025 is far from finalized, but early trends are creating speculation. Graduate transfer Will Howard is widely expected to open the season as the starter, thanks to his experience and fit in Ohio State’s offense. Beyond him, though, the battle for the No. 2 spot has become the camp’s most compelling subplot.

If Sayin continues his rapid development, he could very well leapfrog Kienholz on the depth chart by the end of August. That scenario would give Ohio State an intriguing mix: a veteran starter in Howard and a highly touted freshman ready as the first option off the bench.

For Kienholz, maintaining the backup role may depend on quickly regaining consistency and delivering more assertive performances in the coming scrimmages.

Coaching Perspective and Team Dynamics

Quarterbacks coach Corey Dennis emphasized that both players are being pushed equally in practice scenarios designed to simulate real-game stress.

We want to see how they process under pressure,” Dennis said. “It’s not just about arm talent. It’s decision-making, communication, and leadership in the huddle. So far, Julian’s been impressive, and Lincoln has had some ups and downs, but both are progressing.

Team veterans have also noticed Sayin’s maturity. Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka praised the freshman’s composure, saying, “Julian doesn’t look like a kid who just got here. He’s locked in, and you can see the confidence building.”

Such praise adds weight to the early camp narrative: Sayin is not only learning quickly but also earning the respect of his teammates, a vital element in any quarterback competition.

The Buckeyes will hold their first full-pads scrimmage later this week, which could provide the clearest indicator yet of how the quarterback depth chart is shaping up. Live reps under game-like conditions often separate the contenders from the pretenders in a position battle.

• Julian Sayin is ahead of schedule, looking like a future star who might contribute sooner than expected.

• Lincoln Kienholz must respond with poise and precision to secure his role.

• Will Howard continues to lead as the likely starter, but the battle behind him could have long-term implications for the program’s future.