Sayin Named OSU Starter Ahead of Texas Opener

Julian Sayin will start for Ohio State against Texas, beating out Lincoln Kienholz in a high stakes season opener.

Sayin Named Ohio State Starting Quarterback Ahead of Texas Opener

Ohio State has named Julian Sayin the starting quarterback for the season opener against Texas. Sayin, a five star redshirt freshman who transferred from Alabama, beat out redshirt sophomore Lincoln Kienholz after a spring and summer competition. Day said Sayin showed steady improvement and made the best case to run the Buckeyes' offense in week one. Sayin appeared in four games last season, completing five of 12 passes for 84 yards and a touchdown, and rushing for 24 yards on two carries. The No. 1 recruit in 2024 gives OSU a different feel at quarterback, and he will face Arch Manning, Texas' starter, in a marquee early test. The game is scheduled for Aug 30 at Ohio Stadium with Texas ranked highly in preseason discussions.

The choice places a young quarterback at the center of a high profile game. It tests Sayin's ability to manage a game plan and guide an offense against a top program on a big stage. The matchup with Arch Manning will sharpen perceptions about OSU's development track for quarterbacks taken early in the recruiting cycle. Ohio State's decision also signals how the program values spring performance over the more visible summer competition. If Sayin succeeds, it could accelerate the team's offense and set a tone for the season; if not, the Buckeyes will rely on depth and experienced coaches to stabilize the position.

Highlights

The season moves from talk to live action on a crowded date night in Columbus.