Tavien St. Clair Shines in Ohio State's Spring Game, Points to a Bright Future
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As the saying goes, objects in the mirror are closer than they appear. Maybe, or maybe not for Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, but Saturday inside Ohio Stadium was sure impressive from backup Tavien St. Clair.
It would be irresponsible to ask the question if Sayin's job is in danger for 2026, but man, the possibilities with Tavien St. Clair seem to be unlimited.
St. Clair is living the dream that every Ohio kid dreams of. To grow up in Ohio and become the quarterback at Ohio State is something that only happens for a very, very small group of people.
For St. Clair, it is his reality.
On Saturday in Columbus, he got his first real opportunity inside Ohio Stadium to show Buckeye Nation exactly what he is about.
What he brings to the table is a very unique body type that is lab-made to play quarterback. He stands at 6'3" and weighs in at 230 pounds. He is athletic enough to make plays with his feet and has a rocket launcher attached to his shoulder.
He made his first impression count in the 2026 Spring Game.
On his first drive, St. Clair found a streaking Chris Henry Jr. for a 20-plus yard gain in a drive that ended up stalling out and settling for a field goal. Then, he came back in drive two and popped the top off of Ohio Stadium.
On the very first play of the next drive, Buckeye fans saw their future right before their eyes.
St. Clair caught the snap and looked to the middle of the field to hold the safety. On his left, wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. pushed vertical and hit the jets to run straight by his defender.
St. Clair snapped his eyes and shoulders, set his feet, and uncorked a bomb to Henry Jr., who hauled it in for a touchdown.
Over the large cheer in the stadium, there was a universal sigh of relief as Buckeye Nation realized that their future beyond Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith is very bright.
After the game, Sayin met with the media and discussed how great a relationship he and the quarterbacks in the room have. They are a tight-knit group, which can be a rare reality in a situation where there are two guys who believe they could be starters competing for the same spot.
Ohio State is in good hands with Julia Sayin, and if all goes as planned this year, Sayin will be preparing for the NFL Draft in 365 days.
Then, Buckeye fans know that they are passing the baton to a budding superstar and a guy who has the potential to be one of the all-time greats to wear the Scarlet and Gray.
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