Sophomore quarterback Julian Sayin will start Ohio State’s season opener against No. 1 Texas, Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day announced Monday.

The former five-star recruit beat out redshirt sophomore Lincoln Kienholz for the right to lead the No. 3 Buckeyes onto the field against the Longhorns on Aug. 30 in Columbus, Ohio.

“It was a close competition. I think both guys, we all feel confident can win a game for us,” Day said. “I think Julian separated himself really over the last week with his consistent play.”

Sayin was the No. 1 quarterback and No. 6 overall prospect in the 2024 recruiting class by the 247Sports composite.

The season-opening showdown will feature Sayin against Texas quarterback Arch Manning, the No. 1 overall recruit in the Class of 2023.

Sayin replaces Will Howard, wh

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