(BCSNN) — Ohio State head coach Ryan Day announced Monday that redshirt freshman Julian Sayin will start at quarterback when the No. 3 Buckeyes host top-ranked Texas on Aug. 30. The decision ends a months-long competition with junior Lincoln Kienholz and signals a new era under center for the defending national champions.

“My responsibilities to the Buckeyes, my responsibilities to this team, and making sure we’re ready to play in 12 days. That being said, Julian Sayin will be the starting quarterback against Texas,” said head coach Day during his Monday presser. “It was a close competition. I think both guys, we all feel confident, can win a game for us. I think Julian really separated himself over the last week with consistent play."

Sayin, a former five-star recruit from Carlsbad, California, transferred to Ohio State in January after a brief stint at Alabama. He enrolled early with the Crimson Tide but entered the transfer portal following Nick Saban’s retirement. Sayin appeared in four games for the Buckeyes last season, completing 5 of 12 passes for 84 yards and a touchdown while preserving his redshirt. He also added 24 rushing yards and played in the College Football Playoff semifinal win over Tennessee.

Regarded as the No. 1 quarterback in the 2024 recruiting class by multiple outlets, Sayin was named MVP of the Elite 11 Finals and earned Gatorade California Player of the Year honors in high school. He threw for nearly 8,000 yards and 86 touchdowns at Carlsbad High, showcasing elite accuracy, poise, and a quick release that made him one of the most coveted prospects in the country.

Ohio State enters the 2025 season with championship expectations after capturing its first national title in a decade last January. The Buckeyes return a loaded roster, including Heisman Trophy contender Jeremiah Smith and fellow wideout Carnell Tate, along with Purdue transfer tight end Max Klare. Offensive coordinator Brian Hartline, now calling plays full-time, praised Sayin’s leadership and ability to distribute the ball to the team’s playmakers.

The opener against Texas will be a high-stakes rematch of last season’s College Football Playoff semifinal, which Ohio State won in dramatic fashion. Sayin will face off against Arch Manning, another former five-star recruit making his debut as the Longhorns’ starter. “There’s no easing into this,” Day said. “We’re going to let it fly. The expectations are to win, and Julian’s ready.”