(BCSNN) — With the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes set to open the 2025 season against Texas on Aug. 30, head coach Ryan Day remains undecided on who will start at quarterback, as redshirt freshman Julian Sayin and redshirt sophomore Lincoln Kienholz continue to battle for the job.

Sayin, a former five-star recruit who transferred from Alabama after Nick Saban’s retirement, is widely seen as the frontrunner. He impressed in spring camp and has shown poise and accuracy in limited game action. Kienholz, a multi-sport standout from South Dakota, has gained momentum with a strong offseason and brings athleticism and leadership to the competition.

Day has emphasized that the decision will hinge not just on arm talent, but on leadership, decision-making, and command of the offense. “You want everybody in that huddle to believe in you,” Day said. “Taking care of the football, making routine plays routinely, and getting us into the right play — that’s what we’re evaluating every day”.

The Buckeyes are coming off a national title run led by veteran transfer Will Howard, whose maturity and game management set a high standard. Day hopes Sayin and Kienholz absorbed lessons from Howard’s leadership, noting that “no two quarterbacks are the same, but you have to lead and take command”.

True freshman Tavien St. Clair is also in the quarterback room, but he’s considered a long shot to start. With preseason camp underway, Day said he plans to simulate competitive situations to see who handles pressure best. “We’ve got to be on point Week 1,” Day said. “We can’t be messing around”.

Ohio State hosts Texas at noon on Aug. 30 at Ohio Stadium, in a rematch of last year’s Cotton Bowl. With Arch Manning starting for the Longhorns, the Buckeyes’ quarterback decision will be pivotal in one of the most anticipated openers of the season.