When Ryan Day is expected to decide Ohio State Football's QB competition

Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, August 16th 2025 at 13:52 GMT by Jerry
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Ohio State football head coach Ryan Day is running out of time to decide who this year's starting quarterback will be.

Ohio State Football: Ryan Day's Timeline for Deciding the Buckeyes' Quarterback Competition

In the high-stakes world of college football, few programs generate as much anticipation and scrutiny as the Ohio State Buckeyes. As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes are on head coach Ryan Day and his handling of what promises to be one of the most intriguing quarterback battles in recent memory. The competition for the starting quarterback position at Ohio State has been a focal point of offseason discussions, with a mix of experienced transfers, returning talent, and highly touted freshmen vying for the role. Day, known for his offensive prowess and quarterback development, has been methodical in his approach, emphasizing a thorough evaluation process that balances practice performances, leadership qualities, and on-field execution.

The quarterback room at Ohio State is stacked with potential, creating a scenario where Day's decision could significantly impact the team's pursuit of a national championship. Leading the pack is Will Howard, a transfer from Kansas State who brings a wealth of starting experience to Columbus. Howard, a 6-foot-5, 242-pound senior, started all 12 games for the Wildcats last season, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities with over 2,600 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and an additional 351 rushing yards with nine scores on the ground. His arrival via the transfer portal was seen as a strategic move by Day to bolster the position after the departure of previous starter Kyle McCord to Syracuse. Howard's poise under pressure and ability to extend plays with his legs make him a natural fit for Ohio State's explosive offense, which has historically thrived on big plays and efficient passing.

Challenging Howard is Devin Brown, a redshirt sophomore who has been patiently waiting in the wings. Brown, a highly recruited prospect from the 2022 class, has seen limited action but impressed in spot duty. In last year's Cotton Bowl against Missouri, he stepped in after an injury to the starter and threw for 197 yards with a touchdown, demonstrating his arm strength and decision-making. Brown's familiarity with Day's system gives him an edge, as he's spent multiple seasons absorbing the playbook and building chemistry with receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr.'s successors, including Emeka Egbuka and Carnell Tate. Day has praised Brown's growth, noting his improved understanding of defensive reads and his competitive fire during spring practices.

Adding even more depth and intrigue is Julian Sayin, a true freshman who flipped his commitment from Alabama to Ohio State following Nick Saban's retirement. Sayin, ranked as the No. 1 quarterback in the 2024 class by some recruiting services, possesses elite arm talent and accuracy, drawing comparisons to former Buckeyes greats like C.J. Stroud. While freshmen rarely start immediately in such a competitive environment, Sayin's early enrollment and participation in spring ball have accelerated his development. Day has been effusive about Sayin's potential, highlighting his quick release and football IQ, though he acknowledges the learning curve for a newcomer adapting to the speed of Big Ten football.

Other names in the mix include Lincoln Kienholz, a redshirt freshman who saw minimal snaps last year, and Air Noland, another highly rated 2024 signee who's generating buzz for his athleticism. This depth ensures that the competition isn't just a two- or three-man race but a comprehensive evaluation of the entire group. Day's philosophy centers on fostering a competitive environment where quarterbacks push each other to improve, rather than rushing to anoint a starter prematurely.

So, when can fans expect Day to make his decision? According to insights from fall camp and recent interviews, Day has indicated that he anticipates naming a starter sometime during the preseason, likely in the weeks leading up to the Buckeyes' season opener against Akron on August 31. He emphasized that the timeline isn't rigidly set, as it depends on how the competition unfolds in practices and scrimmages. "We're going to let this play out," Day said in a recent press conference. "We want to see consistency over time, not just flashes. The guy who earns it will be the one who shows he can lead this team day in and day out." This approach mirrors Day's handling of past QB battles, such as the 2019 transition from Dwayne Haskins to Justin Fields, where he waited until camp to finalize the choice.

Day's caution stems from lessons learned in previous seasons. Last year, the Buckeyes entered the campaign with Kyle McCord as the presumed starter, but inconsistencies in big games, including a loss to Michigan, highlighted the importance of the right fit. With Ohio State facing immense pressure to end their three-year losing streak to the Wolverines and make a deep playoff run in the expanded 12-team format, the quarterback decision carries enormous weight. The offense, bolstered by returning stars like running back TreVeyon Henderson and a revamped offensive line featuring transfers like Seth McLaughlin from Alabama, is poised for success—but only if the signal-caller can distribute the ball effectively and minimize turnovers.

Beyond individual performances, Day is evaluating intangibles like leadership and resilience. In team meetings and film sessions, he's looking for the quarterback who can command the huddle, inspire confidence in teammates, and bounce back from adversity. Spring game highlights provided early glimpses: Howard completed 9 of 13 passes for 77 yards and a touchdown, Brown went 5 of 7 for 66 yards with a score, and Sayin impressed with his poise despite limited reps. Fall camp, which ramps up in early August, will be the true proving ground, with live scrimmages simulating game pressure.

Analysts and former players have weighed in on the competition, with many predicting Howard as the frontrunner due to his experience. However, Day's track record of developing young talent suggests he won't hesitate to go with a less seasoned option if they outperform expectations. The decision also has recruiting implications, as Ohio State's ability to attract top transfers and high school prospects hinges on demonstrating a clear path to playing time.

As the Buckeyes prepare for what could be a defining season, the quarterback saga underscores the program's championship aspirations. Day's deliberate timeline reflects a commitment to excellence, ensuring that whoever lines up under center against Akron will have earned the trust of the coaching staff and the fanbase. With a schedule featuring tough matchups against Oregon, Penn State, and Michigan, the stakes couldn't be higher. Ohio State fans, accustomed to quarterback excellence from the likes of Troy Smith and Justin Fields, are eagerly awaiting Day's verdict, knowing it could be the key to reclaiming Big Ten supremacy and beyond. In the end, this competition isn't just about naming a starter—it's about forging a leader capable of guiding the Scarlet and Gray back to glory. (Word count: 928)

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