Press Coverage: Julian Sayin Claims Starting Quarterback Job, Ryan Day Stays Mum on Other Position Battles

A seven-month quarterback battle finished on Monday when Ryan Day named Julian Sayin Ohio State's starting quarterback. Sayin's consistency, command of the huddle and accuracy won him the job in a tight race with Lincoln Kienholz, who Day said could still get involved in some specialty packages with his athleticism. Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia praised Sayin's communication and processing, which was a question mark for the young quarterback.

Elsewhere, however, Day stayed mum about the Buckeyes' position battles. But Ohio State will rotate offensive linemen again in 2025, which worked for them in the College Football Playoff. Despite Day being only willing to name Austin Siereveld as a starter at left tackle, we expect Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman and Tegra Tshabola to start at left guard, center and right guard, while Phillip Daniels seems to be leading at right tackle. But "six or seven" players will rotate, with Ethan Onianwa and Joshua Padilla being the most likely candidates to roll in.

Monday’s press conference also brought updates on Ohio State’s plans at safety, running back and linebacker, where Ohio State will try to use its versatile pieces in more rotations. Nick McLarty is sneaking up on Joe McGuire for the Buckeyes' punting job, too.

Eleven Warriors’ Dan Hope and Andy Anders discuss why Sayin’s selection as starting quarterback came as no surprise and what else stood out from Day’s most recent press conference on a new episode of Press Coverage.

The full rundown:

• 0:00 Julian Sayin is Officially Ohio State’s Starting Quarterback
• 3:50 Ohio State Planning to Rotate Again on Offensive Line
• 6:48 Bo Jackson Pushing for Immediate Carries at Running Back
• 7:48 Jaylen McClain, Malik Hartford Both Likely to Play Big Roles at Safety
• 10:32 Brian Hartline Showing Growth As Offensive Coordinator