Ohio State HC Ryan Day Sends Message on Lincoln Kienholz Amid Julian Sayin News

The Ohio State Buckeyes will be ready to go in Week 1 against the Texas Longhorns, and they know who will be the starting quarterback to begin the season. Head coach Ryan Day named second-year player Julian Sayin as the starting quarterback, and it was apparently a close battle between him and junior Lincoln Kienholz.

Day noted that Sayin separated himself over the last week with his consistent play. Sayin was the No. 9 recruit in the nation and a top prospect from California in 2024. He originally signed with the Alabama Crimson Tide but transferred to Ohio State after Nick Saban announced his retirement.

Sayin appeared in four games last season for the Buckeyes, completing 5 of his 12 passes for 84 yards and a touchdown.

As far as Kienholz, Day still believes the junior will play an important part for the team.

"I think we'll need both quarterbacks," Day said via 247Sports. "Lincoln did a lot of great things, but we're going to name Julian the starter here, give him the majority of the reps with the ones, and go prepare to beat Texas."

Kienholz hasn't thrown a pass for Ohio State since 2023 against the Missouri Tigers in the Cotton Bowl, where he completed 6 of his 17 passes for 86 yards. Despite not getting the starting nod, Kienholz took the news well, according to Day.

"He knows in his heart he's going to play this year," Day said. "He's a competitor; I'm sure he wants to play in the first game, but I wouldn't say he's discouraged. ... The team knows that we're going to need him, and he knows."

Kienholz should get some opportunities to play this season, and there's no doubt that he will make the most of his time on the field.

Related: Steve Sarkisian Reacts to Ohio State Naming Julian Sayin the Starting QB

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.