Ohio State’s spring game at The Shoe was vibrant, drawing over 40,000 attendees eager for a glimpse of the 2025 team. The main focus for many fans was undoubtedly the developing QB1 competition in Columbus. While it was a scrimmage with a “thud tempo” and no full tackling, the atmosphere felt like a real football, pitting the offense (Scarlet) against the defense (Gray). The offense secured a convincing 50-31 victory, a significant improvement from their narrow 1-point win last season. However, the biggest story was the quarterback battle, with Julian Sayin particularly shining.

The Buckeye offense appeared dynamic with No. 10 at the helm, as he completed 17 of 24 passes for 175 yards, including an impressive touchdown—a perfect throw down the middle to incoming 5-star freshman Tavien St. Clair. Lincoln Kienholz also had a strong showing, but Sayin seemed to be the standout. Overall, the offense displayed more energy, better rhythm, and greater intensity, leaving Ohio State fans feeling highly optimistic. With a Week 1 matchup against Texas on the horizon, this quarterback competition is just beginning…..

Julian Sayin has the edge! He stands tall in the pocket, keeps his cool, and delivers darts all over the field. That’s why he’s ahead of Lincoln Kienholz—for now. But Tavien St. Clair? He showed flashes. Yes, the 5-star freshman went 11-for-15, tossed for 116 yards and a TD. But he also had 2 ‘I’m only a true freshman’ picks. So, for now, he’s third on the depth chart. However, as for naming a starter? Don’t hold your breath. Ryan Day is playing it smart. No decision until August. Honestly, why rush? With the transfer portal opening Wednesday, naming a QB1 now risks your backup’s departure. Plus, there are summer workouts. Fall camp. Plenty of time. But here’s the kicker—national analysts are starting to raise eyebrows. You can say some aren’t sold on Sayin just yet. While he might be QB1 now, he needs to keep proving himself daily, especially with Texas looming on August 30th, leaving no margin for error.

On the April 13th episode of The Hard Count on ON3, J.D. PicKell dove into Ohio State’s spring game—and the buzz around Julian Sayin. Although the 5-star QB looked the part, confident, smooth, and in control. He had the offense humming. But when it came to naming him the surefire starter, PicKell didn’t just jump on the hype train. Instead, he raised a fair question. “You just see what the offense can be with Julian Sayin, and the question isn’t so much ‘How talented is he?’ and ‘What can he do for you at Ohio State when he’s firing on all cylinders?’ The question is, can he do it consistently? That’s kind of been the story of the spring.” And that’s the point. We all know Sayin has got the tools. The flash. The upside. But with Texas looming in Week 1, it’s not just about one great day in April—it’s about stacking those days all season long.

However, if you’re an Ohio State fan, you had to love what you saw from Julian Sayin. Even J.D. PicKell didn’t sugarcoat it—this was the biggest moment of the spring. And truly, Sayin delivered in front of a huge crowd. But the real question isn’t about talent. It’s about consistency. And PicKell put it plainly, saying, “Can he be the same guy every single week?” That’s the bar at Ohio State. Simply put, you’ve got Texas in Week 1, so there’s no room for a down game. Not in October. Not ever. Because the Buckeyes don’t just need flashes. They need fire—every Saturday. And Sayin? He might be that guy, but he’s got to prove it over time.

“My feel on this is he’s still going to be your starting quarterback come game one. I think that as time goes on, the light bulb will eventually come on for him,” PicKell said. But while the talent is there, the concern is real—can Sayin deliver week in and week out? Ryan Day isn’t betting the season on one arm. That’s where his $800K NIL-valued prospect comes in.

Enter Felix Ojo. The 5-star prospect of 2026 is waiting in the wings. This one is worth every penny if Sayin stumbles. It’s not just QB depth—it’s championship insurance. Day’s got a plan, and it’s as calculated as it is costly.

Well, Felix Ojo is a name to know in the 2026 class. The 6’7″, 274-pound offensive tackle out of Lake Ridge is the No. 4 overall prospect and No. 3 OT per On3. He made a 2-day stop at Ohio State before the spring game—and left impressed. And following that, he stated, “My Ohio State visit was great.” Adding, “They go at a different speed than others.” As of now, with 42 offers on the table, it’s a heavyweight battle between Texas and the Buckeyes. But the ‘vibes’ in Columbus might just tip the scales for Ojo.

“What excites me about the Buckeyes is the opportunity to play early and the family atmosphere of the program. I’ve seen the campus facilities and pretty much everything Columbus has to offer. They compare pretty high, and I feel I would fit in well with the team and coaches. I will say the family atmosphere and how they really see the players as family is what makes the place special,” he said.

While the squad is set with its master plan, the question now is—can they capture the national title this season, and does this team have a title-winning roster?

The Buckeyes’ 2025 Natty fate

Ryan Day is betting on what he’s got. No portal shopping. No quick fixes. Because the 2025 QB1, he says, is already in the building. “These guys are going to compete their tail off,” promised Day. He’s rolling with Sayin and the young guns in that room. However, the plan? Build from within. But while the quarterbacks are locked in, the bigger question looms—is this roster ready to chase a natty? The talent is there; just the mindset has to match.

Well, “This is a ‘go get it’ kind of year for Ohio State,” said PicKell. “Your roster is still good enough to go win a national championship.” But is it as polished as last year? Maybe not quite. Look, Will Howard and the nation’s best running back room are gone. But the pieces are there. As of now, the big question is, can they grow up fast enough? Can the young guys handle the pressure of big moments? Can they win in the CFP? And can they avoid complacency? After all, it’s human nature to coast after a championship. But Ohio State’s path to glory is in their hands.

J.D. PicKell nails it, stating, “They’ve got the chops. Do they have the engine?” And that’s what everyone’s waiting to see. So, it’s not about raw ability; it’s about drive. Honestly, the difference between contenders and champions is the engine. And that’s what’s going to make or break this team. Can they rev it up when it matters most? That’s a million-dollar question.

Don’t worry, while Sayin is the story of the spring game, this QB battle? It’s only going to make the team better. And the most intriguing fact is that Ryan Day isn’t rushing the decision—this thing won’t be settled until mid-August. But with the roster in place, Ohio State is eyeing the ultimate prize: a national title. Again.