Julian Sayin vs. Lincoln Kienholz will be Ryan Day's toughest QB call

Where Ohio State's quarterback competition stands early in camp

Julian Sayin runs onto the practice field at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.

COLUMBUS — Ryan Day’s perfect quarterback is on Ohio State’s roster.

He’s got good size, great athleticism, work ethic and leadership qualities that made him one of the tone-setters of the team’s offseason training program. He’s got a quick trigger, poise, accuracy and strong processing ability.

He’s also two different people.

Day is unlikely to unveil an offense this fall that utilizes two quarterbacks at the same time. And unless his degree from the University of New Hampshire is in alchemy, I wouldn’t expect him to discover a process by which to combine Lincoln Kienholz and Julian Sayin into one person.

Ohio State’s quarterback competition will come down to a race between their ability to make up ground in the areas where the other is strongest. For Kienholz, that’s becoming a more consistent passer. For Sayin, that’s melding his throwing talents with the energy and command required of the person charged with leading the offense.

Both have made strides since the spring. Someone needs to be ready to play Texas on Aug. 30. That makes this the toughest quarterback decision Day has had to make since becoming head coach in 2019.

“I’ve been pleased with their progress,” Day said Tuesday. “We’re not where we need to be, but if they continue to learn from the mistakes they’re making and grow off the plays that they’re doing well, moving the offense and taking care of the football, then it’s gonna go right down to the wire.”