The defending national champions have their quarterback.

Ohio State has named Julian Sayin its starting quarterback ahead of the season opener against No. 1 Texas.

A redshirt freshman from Southern California, Sayin beat out redshirt sophomore Lincoln Kienholz for the starting job. The position battle began in spring practice and continued throughout fall camp before the decision was made less than two weeks before the season starts.

"It was a close competition," coach Ryan Day announced Aug. 18. "Julian seperated himself over the last week with consistent play."

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Sayin was a highly-touted recruit out of Carlsbad High School in the 2024 recruiting class as the th

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