2 Rising Stars in Thrilling Showdown: Ohio State’s Quarterback Duel Heats Up
Ohio State football fans are witnessing one of the most intense and exciting quarterback competitions in recent memory. The spotlight is firmly on 2 Rising Stars in Thrilling Showdown as Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz battle it out for the coveted starting quarterback position. With the preseason practices in full swing, Coach Ryan Day remains tight-lipped about who will lead the Buckeyes in their season opener against Texas on August 30.
A New Era After Championship Glory
Coming off a triumphant College Football Playoff championship, expectations are sky-high in Columbus. However, unlike previous years where veteran QBs like Cardale Jones and J.T. Barrett vied for the starting role, this year’s competition features two relatively untested talents. Sayin and Kienholz have a combined total of just 34 pass attempts and 90 college snaps. Both are stepping into the enormous shoes left behind by Will Howard, who threw for a Big Ten-high 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns last season before transferring from Kansas State.
Coach Day acknowledged the tight race, saying, “The competition continues. They both have had good moments and moments where they’re growing. I will say I’ve been pleased with the progress.” This sets the tone for what is shaping up to be 2 Rising Stars in Thrilling Showdown.
Daily Pressure Breeds Excellence
The high-stakes nature of the competition is pushing both athletes to bring their best every day. “The positives of having a competition is that you know every day you got to bring it. The guys are always on edge, they’re uncomfortable, they’re working at it. I think that’s healthy for the entire building,” Day added.
Quarterbacks coach Billy Fessler is laser-focused on finding consistency. He emphasized the importance of third-down and red-zone efficiency, saying, “We have to be great on third down and in the red zone. That’s where quarterbacks make their money.” As situational drills intensify, this period is critical for the 2 Rising Stars in Thrilling Showdown.
Sayin: The Arm Talent
Julian Sayin entered college football with considerable hype. Originally committed to Alabama as the top quarterback in the Class of 2024, he shifted to Ohio State after Nick Saban’s retirement. Sayin participated in four games last season, including a College Football Playoff appearance against Tennessee, logging 5 completions on 12 attempts for 84 yards and one touchdown.
Sayin’s arm strength stands out, but he’s also focusing on refining his mechanics. “I feel like I’m developing in my footwork, accuracy and mechanics. It’s just all about building confidence. You make a great play, you start to build that confidence,” Sayin said. His poise and development make him a slight favorite in this 2 Rising Stars in Thrilling Showdown.
Kienholz: The Athlete
Lincoln Kienholz brings a multi-sport athletic background to the gridiron. Though his last game action came in the 2023 Cotton Bowl, where he completed just 6 of 17 passes for 86 yards, he has shown significant growth during the offseason. Named an Iron Buckeye—an honor given to players excelling in offseason workouts—Kienholz has emerged as a serious contender.
“As a freshman going in there, I didn’t really know a whole lot,” he admitted. “Now, I feel like I’m pretty good at protections. I’ve been in the offense for three years now, and more time, more reps, and film study have helped me get better.” His athleticism and maturity position him well in the 2 Rising Stars in Thrilling Showdown.
The Coaching Perspective
The coaching staff is treating this week as “moving week,” a critical period for players to solidify their roles. “This is moving week. We want to have our identity and it doesn’t need to be in stone, but the players can tell us what we’re doing and what our identity is coming out of this week,” Day said.
This sentiment reflects the fluidity and competitiveness of the quarterback race. The Buckeyes are not just preparing for their opening game—they are defining their future with these 2 Rising Stars in Thrilling Showdown.
Freshman in the Wings
While the spotlight is on Sayin and Kienholz, freshman Tavien St. Clair is quietly gaining experience. An early enrollee who participated in spring practices, St. Clair is still getting up to speed but represents depth and potential future promise.
What’s at Stake?
For Sayin and Kienholz, this is more than just a preseason battle; it’s a defining moment in their young careers. Winning the starting quarterback job at Ohio State not only puts a player in the national spotlight but also sets the stage for potential NFL opportunities. As such, this 2 Rising Stars in Thrilling Showdown could shape the Buckeyes’ fate for seasons to come.
Fan and Media Buzz
The Ohio State fanbase and media outlets are buzzing with speculation. While Sayin’s five-star pedigree garners headlines, Kienholz’s resilience and athleticism are earning respect. Each passing day brings new observations, yet no clear victor has emerged.
Social media adds another layer of pressure and excitement. Clips from practices, breakdowns from analysts, and fan debates keep the energy high around the 2 Rising Stars in Thrilling Showdown.
Looking Ahead
As August 30 approaches, the clock is ticking for Coach Day and his staff to name a starter. However, the timeline appears to hinge on continued performance in practice. The Buckeyes are balancing tradition, ambition, and raw potential as they aim to stay at the pinnacle of college football.
Regardless of who wins the starting nod, both Sayin and Kienholz are proving their worth. Their competitive spirit and commitment to improvement embody what it means to be a Buckeye—and they are living proof that Ohio State’s quarterback future is in capable hands.
The excitement around the 2 Rising Stars in Thrilling Showdown is far from over. One thing is certain: whoever leads Ohio State onto the field on opening day will have earned every snap.