Analyzing which of Ohio State's freshman QBs have the best chance of playing in 2024

The Ohio State Buckeyes have the deepest quarterback room they have had in recent seasons. That’s in no small part because of the two highly touted freshmen, Julian Sayin and Air Noland, who entered the program in the 2024 recruiting cycle.

Between the two of those quarterbacks, one appears to be ready for in-game action next season — Julian Sayin. While making an appearance on Andy Staples On3 from Big Ten Media Days, Spencer Holbrook of Lettermen Row analyzed why Sayin has a better chance of playing in 2024.

“I would say Julian is probably the freshman of those four,” Spencer Holbrook said. “Julian showed us some things that I don’t see from many freshmen, ever, in practice.”

Julian Sayin came to Ohio State as a five-star recruit in the Class of 2024. Technically, he entered the school as a transfer from Alabama, though he spent spring with the Buckeyes. There, he was incredibly impressive and made it seem like he could play if injuries became an issue.

“It probably helps he was throwing to Jeremiah Smith some — who got a lot of buzz today — but I do think Julian showed enough where if it was break glass in case of emergency, I think he could go in there against a Purdue or Indiana,” Holbrook said. “I don’t know if he can go in against an Oregon and win, but against those programs, I think he could probably go in there and be okay.”

Seeing Julian Sayin this season doesn’t seem impossible for Ohio State. As of now, head coach Ryan Day still hasn’t named a quarterback, though Will Howard is the presumed starter. Still, an open battle and injuries could impact the Buckeyes.

For his part, Air Noland was a four-star recruit in the 2024 cycle. He just needs some more time before Ohio State would be comfortable with him getting into a game, as Holbrook explained.

Ryan Day update the Ohio State quarterback competition heading into fall camp

With fall camp rapidly approaching, Ryan Day shared an update on the quarterback competition.

“Going into the spring, only Devin [Brown] and Lincoln [Kienholz] were the only ones who had been in the offense. Julian, Will, and Air had not been in offense. So, they were a little behind in terms of understanding,” Day said.

“Now, going into the summer, they’re been in and out for six months. So, I think we’re going to get a true feel for how those guys understand the offense. I think in the first two weeks, we’re going to get a good idea.”