Ohio State QB Battle: Day Reveals Keys to Competition Outcome

Ohio State QB Battle Intensifies as Howard Era Ends; injury Concerns Surface

Columbus, OH – The post-Will Howard era has officially begun for the Ohio State Buckeyes, and the competition for the starting quarterback position is already heating up. With the departure of their national championship-winning signal-caller, head coach Ryan day faces the crucial task of identifying the next leader of the potent offense.

Howard,who transferred in last offseason and led the Buckeyes to their sixth national title,a decade in the making,has moved on. His ability to manage the game, make crucial third-down conversions, and execute in clutch situations defined his tenure. “We have good pieces around them,and they just need to make routine plays routinely,have command [of the offense] and make great decisions,” Day remarked about the current quarterback room.

The primary contenders vying for the starting role are redshirt freshman Devin Sayin and sophomore Lincoln Kienholz. Sayin, a highly-touted five-star recruit, saw limited action last season, playing in just four games and attempting onyl 12 passes. Kienholz, who arrived with a less heralded recruiting profile, offers more size and potential athleticism. he appeared in two games last season without attempting a pass, though he completed 10 of 22 passes for 111 yards as the third-stringer in 2023.

Adding to the mix is freshman Tavien St. Clair. However, given his lack of experience within the offensive system and the daunting August 30th season opener against a possibly top-ranked Texas Longhorns squad, he is considered a long shot.Day acknowledged the desire for a clear starter, stating, “Going into the game, you certainly would like to have a starter named…If we have to go in with multiple quarterbacks, then that’s probably not a great thing going into Week 1, but you never know.”

on the defensive side, the Buckeyes received potentially concerning news as sophomore defensive lineman Eddrick Houston was helped off the field with what appeared to be a right leg injury. While Day had no immediate update, sources suggest the injury is not considered long-term or serious. Houston, a top recruit from the class of 2024, is a key player expected to make an impact on the defensive front.

What specific aspects of “command of the offense” will Coach Day be evaluating beyond simply knowing the plays?

The Contenders: Will Howard vs. Lincoln Kienle

The Ohio State Buckeyes are heading into the 2025 season with a high-stakes quarterback competition. Head Coach Ryan Day recently outlined the critical factors that will determine the starting QB: will Howard, the Kansas State transfer, and Lincoln Kienle, the highly-touted freshman. this isn’t just about arm talent; it’s a holistic evaluation encompassing leadership, decision-making, and mastery of the offensive system. The Buckeye quarterback competition is arguably the moast watched in college football this fall.

Day’s Core Evaluation Criteria

Coach day emphasized three primary areas during recent press conferences and team meetings. These aren’t just buzzwords; thay represent the tangible qualities he’s looking for in his signal-caller. Understanding these criteria provides insight into how the Ohio State QB battle will unfold.

Command of the Offense: This goes beyond simply knowing the plays. Day wants a quarterback who can make pre-snap reads, identify blitzes, and adjust protections. A deep understanding of the Buckeyes offense is paramount.

Decision-Making Under Pressure: College football is a fast-paced game. The ability to make quick, accurate decisions when facing a pass rush is crucial. Day specifically mentioned minimizing turnovers and avoiding risky throws. Quarterback decision making will be heavily scrutinized.

Leadership & Poise: The quarterback is the face of the offense and a leader on the field. Day is looking for someone who can command the respect of his teammates and remain calm in high-pressure situations. Ohio State football leadership starts with the QB.

Howard’s Strengths and Areas for Advancement

Will Howard brings significant experience to the table. He’s a proven performer at the Power Five level, having led Kansas State to a Big 12 Championship appearance.

Strengths: Strong arm, experience in a complex offense, ability to extend plays with his legs. His passing accuracy has shown improvement over his collegiate career.

Areas for Improvement: Consistency in reading defenses, reducing interceptions, and fully grasping the nuances of the Ohio State offensive scheme. Adapting to a new system and building rapport with new receivers are key challenges for Howard. Will Howard stats will be closely monitored during fall camp.

Kienle’s Potential and the Learning Curve

Lincoln Kienle represents the future of Ohio State football. The five-star recruit possesses exceptional talent, but he’s entering his first year in a demanding college environment.

Strengths: Exceptional arm talent, high football IQ, and a quick release. Kienle’s quarterback potential is undeniable.

Areas for Improvement: Experience against top-tier competition, mastering the playbook, and developing the physical strength to withstand the rigors of a college season. The Lincoln Kienle profile is one of a future star, but patience will be required.

fall Camp focus: Drills and Evaluation Metrics

Ohio State’s fall camp will be intensely focused on evaluating both quarterbacks. Day has implemented specific drills designed to test their abilities in key areas.

1. 7-on-7 Drills: These drills emphasize passing accuracy, route running, and coverage skills. They provide a controlled environment to assess quarterback-receiver chemistry.
2. Pressure Simulation Drills: Coaches will simulate pass rush scenarios to evaluate decision-making under pressure and pocket presence.
3. Red Zone Efficiency Drills: Success in the red zone is critical. These drills will assess the quarterbacks’ ability to make accurate throws in tight coverage.
4. Film Study & Classroom Sessions: Day will dedicate significant time to film study and classroom sessions to gauge each quarterback’s understanding of the offense and their ability to learn.

Historical Precedent: Ohio’s QB Legacy

Ohio State has a rich history of producing elite quarterbacks. The state itself has a strong football tradition, having produced eight U.S. Presidents – a testament to its leadership qualities (according to Wikipedia). This legacy adds pressure to the current competition. Past successes, like those of Dwayne Haskins and justin Fields, set a high bar for the next Buckeye quarterback. Ohio State quarterback history is filled with iconic names.

The Impact of Offensive Coordinator Chip Kelly

Offensive Coordinator Chip Kelly’s influence cannot be overstated. Kelly’s system demands a quarterback who can make quick decisions and execute with precision. The Chip kelly offense requires a QB who is cozy with a fast tempo and a diverse play-calling scheme. Kelly’s evaluation will be a significant factor in Day’s final decision.

Projected Timeline for a Decision

while Day hasn’t set a firm deadline, he’s indicated that he wants to name a starter well before the season opener against Youngstown State on August 30th. Expect a decision sometime in mid-August, allowing the chosen quarterback ample time to prepare and lead the team through fall practice. The Ohio State football schedule* demands a prepared quarterback from day one.