“It really doesn’t matter who is the quarterback,” Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith said in July. He wasn’t too worried about the quarterback competition between Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz, which was at its peak this spring. If anything, the WR was sure that regardless of who the starting QB would be, the team would be set up for success because of their full arsenal of weaponry around the position.

However, HC Ryan Day is in no hurry to make a decision. And this uncertainty is what’s making the Buckeyes’ offense so anxious. Star WR Jeremiah Smith and the Ohio State Buckeyes’ offense are not exactly thrilled about the never-ending shuffle between Sayin and Kienholz. They aren’t getting the time needed to build the chemistry with their QB. In fact, reporter JBook of Bucknuts took to X to reflect on how the constant QB rotation between Sayin and Keinholz in practice makes it tough for the offense to find rhythm:

“Interesting comments from Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate on Big Ten Network. They said when the offense keeps rotating the QB’s in Sayin and Kienholz, it makes it hard for the offense to get going and put drives together in practice. Whoever they choose will do well said Tate.” So far, Sayin looks like the favorite to start, but coach Day has remained tight-lipped. Though he had shared he would reveal a name by the end of this week, he hasn’t said a word yet.

What’s interesting is that neither of the QBs comes with much college experience. Yet they have impressed their coach: Saying has been an accurate passer, and Kienholz has good athleticism. But coming back to Jeremiah Smith, he sees Sayin, a redshirt freshman with a strong arm and impressive football IQ, as more than ready for the spotlight. He is capable of making good throws, and the young quarterback is starting to come out of his shell. On the other hand, Kienholz is a multi-sport athlete turned QB. Despite Sayin being the presumed frontrunner, Kienholz has made a strong push. That makes Day’s decision tougher than some anticipated.

Day is known for not rushing his quarterback announcements. He even delayed naming Will Howard last season until just a few weeks before the opener. CJ Stroud’s announcement was also delayed a couple of years ago. Thus, the HC is following a similar timeline this year.

The key factors Day is looking for include consistency, taking care of the football, command of the offense, and fundamentals. Until a clear separation emerges, he intends to keep challenging both QBs to bring their best every day in practice. Second, it grants the coaching staff more time to evaluate how each quarterback handles pressure, decision-making, and command of the offense in real-time scenarios.

Jeremiah Smith’s redemption arc

Jeremiah Smith is coming into the 2025 season opener against Texas with a serious hunger for redemption. “I’m definitely hyped about this one, especially with how things went last year. Things people [are] saying about me, about that game I had last year,” Smith said earlier this month. “I’m definitely hungry for this one, for sure.”

Last season, Ohio defeated Texas 28-14 in the Cotton Bowl CFP semifinal, and Smith’s impact was felt. However, he had just one catch for three yards. He also didn’t haul in any of his four total CFP touchdowns in that game. That game left a sour taste in his mouth, especially because the Longhorns’ defense zoomed in tightly on him. That limited his contribution. And so, Smith hasn’t forgotten it and views the upcoming rematch in Columbus on August 30 as the perfect chance to rewrite that narrative.

The Texas defense, led by coach Steve Sarkisian, made shutting down Smith a key part of their game plan, and with good reason. Texas knew that wherever Smith was on the field, they had to keep multiple defenders alert and locked on him at all times. They focused so much attention on him that it opened opportunities for his teammates, Carnell Tate and Emeka Egbuka. And now, Smith is ready to face Texas once again.