Will Howard has met Ohio State’s expectations since joining via the transfer portal, but the Buckeyes still need to consider their long-term quarterback plans. After deciding to use Devin Brown as the sole backup against Marshall, head coach Ryan Day was questioned about the state of the quarterback room.
We wondered if Ohio State’s strategy with Brown as the backup was a mistake, and Day hinted that adjustments could be on the horizon. When asked whether Brown would remain the No. 2, Day mentioned that Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz, and Air Noland could climb the depth chart, adding, “Guys are competing every day in practice. He [Brown] would be our No. 2 right now.
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However, this isn’t a definitive commitment, and competition remains a driving force within the program. Sayin, who has appeared in just one game, still has three regular-season games to play while preserving his redshirt status, in addition to potential playoff appearances.
Though Day mentioned Noland, it’s likely they aren’t part of Ohio State’s long-term plans unless Sayin transfers. With top recruit Tavien St. Clair set to arrive in Columbus next year, the natural progression seems to be from Howard to Sayin, before handing the reins to St. Clair in 2027.
Sayin, a 5-star recruit who joined the Buckeyes after Nick Saban and Bill O’Brien’s departure from Alabama, is a mobile and dynamic passer, similar to Bryce Young. At 6-foot-1 and 203 pounds, he has a stronger arm than Young.
We hope to see Sayin as the first off the bench, and while keeping his redshirt is wise, Day should be able to manage his opportunities without jeopardizing his eligibility. If St. Clair lives up to expectations, Sayin’s redshirt status may become less important, as he could end up transferring to make way for the top 2025 prospect.
Brown, now in his third year, has completed just 57 percent of his 42 career passes. His struggles persisted in Week 3, completing only two of six attempts, which stalled the offense. The offense simply doesn’t function well when he’s in, and there are questions as to whether Brown is truly a Power 5-caliber quarterback.
While Day would never admit this publicly, fans and film tell the story: Brown lacks vision on the field, and his limited reps haven’t allowed him to improve. Lack of playing time remains a contributing factor.
