As the Ohio State Buckeyes gear up for their first practices of 2026, all eyes are on the quarterback position, where stability and development are key. With a new-look team and aspirations of another national championship, the Buckeyes are navigating a position-by-position roster review, and the quarterback room is a focal point of interest and analysis.
The Returning Starter: Julian Sayin
One of the few constants in the Buckeyes' quarterback room is Julian Sayin, who returns for his second year as the starter. Sayin's performance in 2025 was impressive, setting a school record with a 77% completion rate, and he's poised to be one of the nation's best quarterbacks in 2026. However, there's still room for improvement, particularly in his ability to see the middle of the field and make plays with his legs. Sayin's development will be crucial to the team's success, and his performance this spring will be under the microscope as he looks to bounce back from a disappointing end to the 2025 season.
The Backup: Tavien St. Clair
Tavien St. Clair, a top-seven overall prospect in his recruiting class, is projected to be the No. 2 quarterback in 2026. While he made his only game appearance in a 70-0 win over Grambling State, completing no passes on two attempts, St. Clair is the most physically gifted quarterback on the roster. The question is, will he show significant improvement this spring and solidify his standing as the backup? St. Clair's development will be key, as he looks to position himself as Sayin's eventual successor and prove he's ready to step up if needed.
The Newcomers: Justyn Martin and Luke Fahey
To bolster their quarterback room, the Buckeyes added Justyn Martin, a veteran transfer with Big Ten experience, and Luke Fahey, a developmental prospect with a prolific high school career. Martin, who spent time at UCLA and Maryland, brings a veteran presence to the room, while Fahey, a three-star prospect from Mission Viejo, California, gives the Buckeyes another quarterback to develop for the future. The question is, will either of them challenge St. Clair for the No. 3 spot?
The Battle to Watch: Martin vs. Fahey
The most competitive spot on the quarterback depth chart this spring will be the third-string job, which Martin and Fahey will battle for. While Martin wasn't brought in to compete for the starting job, he's more capable of actually playing for Ohio State than many of the other veteran transfer backup quarterbacks. Fahey, on the other hand, is a developmental prospect who will likely redshirt as a true freshman. The Buckeyes will look to put Martin and Fahey in plenty of competitive situations this spring to evaluate which one of them would be the better option to lead Ohio State's offense if needed.
The Big Question: St. Clair's Development
The question on everyone's mind is, how much improvement will Tavien St. Clair show this spring? While Sayin's continued development is a priority, St. Clair's growth will be under the microscope. The Buckeyes need him to show he's ready to play if called upon, and if he performs up to his five-star potential, he could solidify himself as the backup and the likely starting quarterback in 2027. However, if he still looks like a young quarterback learning the ropes, Ohio State may have to consider other options for the No. 2 spot.
Overall Pre-Spring Outlook
The Buckeyes' quarterback room stands tall as one of the nation's best, thanks to the return of Sayin and the addition of Martin and Fahey. While St. Clair remains unproven, the same was true of Sayin at this time last year. With Martin and Fahey providing additional depth, the Buckeyes are well-positioned to navigate the challenges of the 2026 season. The question is, how much better can Sayin become with a year of experience under his belt, and will St. Clair show significant improvement this spring?
