Ohio State’s quarterback room is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the 2026 season - and head coach Ryan Day isn’t shying away from the expectations. On his recent radio appearance with Paul Keels and Skip Mosic, Day gave a candid and detailed look at the talent, depth, and competition that will define the Buckeyes’ quarterback group this year.
At the center of it all is Julian Sayin, the third-year sophomore who burst onto the national scene last season and finished as a Heisman Trophy finalist. Sayin, a redshirt freshman in 2025, threw for 3,610 yards with a 77% completion rate, 32 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions - numbers that speak to both his efficiency and poise under pressure. But Day made it clear: Sayin’s return isn’t something the staff takes for granted.
“We’re really excited that Julian’s coming back,” Day said. “Every year is a new challenge. He’s been awesome here and wants to make sure we’ve got the right pieces around him to go win the whole thing.”
That last part is key. Sayin isn’t just back to run it back - he’s back to finish the job. And Day expects him to take on even more responsibility, not just with his arm, but as a leader.
“He’s going to have a huge offseason,” Day added. “He’s one of the youngest guys to make it to New York [for the Heisman ceremony] in a while.
Most of those guys are older. So now it’s about taking that next step.”
Behind Sayin, the Buckeyes are building depth with high-upside talent. Redshirt freshman Tavien St.
Clair is the next man up, and there’s plenty of buzz around him. A former 5-star recruit and the No. 3 quarterback in the 2025 class (per 247Sports), St.
Clair has all the tools - size, arm strength, athleticism - but now it’s about turning potential into production.
“Tavien’s someone that really has to step up for us,” Day said. “He’s going to have to be right there behind Julian and be ready to go.
You’ve seen the schedule - it’s no joke. He’s got to take the next step.”
St. Clair spent last season working on the scout team, getting daily reps against what many consider the best defense in the country. That kind of trial by fire can accelerate development, and Day believes it’ll pay off in a big way during spring and preseason camp.
The Buckeyes also added two new faces to the mix. True freshman Luke Fahey joins the program as a developmental piece with long-term upside, while fifth-year senior Justyn Martin arrives via transfer from Maryland. Martin brings experience and a competitive mindset that could prove valuable in a room full of young talent.
“Justyn’s a good athlete,” Day said. “We need depth in that room.
He understands the position, but he’s not going to take a backseat to anybody. I’m excited to see what he looks like this spring.”
Put it all together, and Ohio State’s quarterback room has a little bit of everything - a proven star in Sayin, a rising talent in St. Clair, and experienced depth with Martin. It’s a blend of youth, upside, and leadership that gives the Buckeyes options - and insurance - heading into a season where expectations will be sky-high.
For now, it’s Sayin’s show. But as Day emphasized, the offseason will be critical for everyone in that room. The Buckeyes know what they have at the top, but championship runs are built on depth - and this group has the makings of something special.