Unexpected: Surprising News Emerges on Ohio State’s Starting Quarterback Battle
In a stunning twist that few saw coming, new reports surrounding Ohio State’s quarterback battle have surfaced—adding a fresh layer of drama to what was already shaping up to be one of the most closely watched competitions in college football.
While many assumed that Will Howard, the Kansas State transfer and veteran presence, was comfortably leading the race to be QB1 heading into the 2025 season, sources within the program now suggest the competition is far from over. In fact, insiders are pointing to rising star Devin Brown and former five-star recruit Julian Sayin as legitimate threats to take the reins of the Buckeyes’ offense this fall.
The unexpected shake-up was triggered by standout performances from both Brown and Sayin during spring camp. Coaches reportedly left several practices “very impressed” with Sayin’s quick command of the playbook and Brown’s growing consistency under pressure—factors that have tightened the race significantly.
Head coach Ryan Day addressed the quarterback situation during a recent media availability, carefully weighing his words.
“We’re evaluating everything every day,” Day said. “No decisions have been made yet. Each of these guys brings something different to the table, and that’s a good thing. It’s a very healthy competition.”
The most surprising element is the rapid progression of Julian Sayin. After transferring from Alabama earlier this year, expectations were that Sayin might need more time to adjust. But according to reports from inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, the young quarterback has adapted quickly, displaying sharp accuracy and poise well beyond his years.
“Julian’s a natural leader,” one assistant coach was quoted as saying. “He processes the game at an elite level and doesn’t seem rattled by the pressure.”
Meanwhile, Devin Brown, who was once seen as the future of the program before Kyle McCord took over in 2023, has continued to push forward, showing marked improvement in decision-making and execution. His chemistry with the first-team receivers has also been noted as a major plus in his favor.
Still, Will Howard isn’t backing down. The experienced signal-caller, who threw for over 2,600 yards and 24 touchdowns last season in the Big 12, has brought maturity and leadership to the room. But in what was expected to be his job to lose, the competition appears tighter than ever.
For fans, the news is both thrilling and nerve-wracking. With Ohio State poised to make another national title push, the stakes of choosing the right quarterback couldn’t be higher. Social media has erupted with speculation, and many are now calling for an open battle to continue deep into fall camp.
