Saint Clair finally breaks silence “I think we just tried to send a message to Buckeye fans that we are ready to….
Ohio State’s 2025 star quarterback recruit, Tavien St. Clair, has made it clear that Michigan’s recent dominance in “The Game” has only fueled his determination to leave a lasting legacy at Ohio State. Following the Buckeyes’ fourth consecutive loss to their archrival, the Bellefontaine, Ohio native rallied his fellow 2025 commits to publicly reaffirm their allegiance to the program, sending a message of resilience and hunger.
“This loss only makes us hungrier,” said St. Clair. “As Ohio guys, we understand what beating Michigan means. I’m taking it personally. I have no intention of losing to ‘the team up north.’”
St. Clair, a lifelong Buckeye fan, solidified his dream of playing for Ohio State by officially signing his scholarship this week. The five-star quarterback, known for his leadership on and off the field, is the first Ohio-born quarterback since Joe Burrow to receive a scholarship from the Buckeyes. Despite the recent losses to Michigan, St. Clair remains optimistic about the program’s future under head coach Ryan Day.
“Coach Day’s track record outside of Michigan speaks for itself,” said St. Clair. “He’s preparing me for the pressures that come with being Ohio State’s quarterback. I’m ready to stand arm-in-arm with him in battle.”
Though Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class ranked fifth nationally, St. Clair is confident in the core group of committed players who share his vision for success. “We want players who truly want to be Buckeyes,” he emphasized.
As the Buckeyes look to rebound and reclaim their dominance in college football, all eyes will be on St. Clair as he aims to lead Ohio State back to glory—and to a long-awaited victory over Michigan.
St. Clair’s commitment to Ohio State goes beyond just playing football; it’s deeply personal for the Bellefontaine native. Growing up a Buckeyes fan, he understands the stakes of the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry like few others. Watching his future team fall short for the fourth consecutive year only heightened his resolve to change the narrative.
“I can’t wait to be part of that rivalry,” St. Clair said. “It’s one of the greatest in sports history. To have a chance to make my mark on it, to help bring back those wins, is what I’m looking forward to the most.”
As the face of Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class, St. Clair has embraced the leadership role thrust upon him. He’s not only led by example but also worked to unify the incoming class amid the shifting landscape of college football. With the rise of NIL deals and high-profile decommitments, including five-star cornerback Na’eem Offord flipping to Oregon, St. Clair admitted that maintaining cohesion within the class was challenging. Still, he remains focused on the players who stayed loyal to the Buckeyes.
“Recruiting isn’t easy these days, especially with NIL playing such a big role,” St. Clair said. “But I’m proud of the guys we have. They’re here for the right reasons—they want to win, and they want to be part of something special.”
For St. Clair, the connection with head coach Ryan Day has been a cornerstone of his journey to Ohio State. The two have formed a close bond throughout the recruitment process, with Day preparing the young quarterback for the highs and lows of being in the spotlight at a storied program.
“Coach Day has been incredible,” St. Clair said. “He’s always been honest about the expectations and challenges. He’s taught me how to handle the criticism and the praise because both will come as a quarterback here. I’m ready to compete from day one.”
Day, in turn, has praised St. Clair’s maturity and dedication to the program. The young quarterback’s frequent visits to Ohio State’s facilities, his participation in spring practices, and his performances at Elite 11 camps have impressed the coaching staff. Day believes St. Clair’s familiarity with the program gives him an edge as he transitions to the college level.
“Tavien’s been around this program a lot, and that’s going to help him tremendously,” Day said. “He knows what it takes to succeed here, and he’s ready to embrace the challenge. Being the quarterback of Ohio State is different—it comes with pressure and expectations—but I’m confident Tavien is ready for that responsibility.”
As St. Clair prepares to embark on his Ohio State career, his focus remains squarely on changing the Buckeyes’ fortunes in “The Game.” For him, the legacy of being an Ohio State quarterback isn’t just about winning games; it’s about rewriting history and restoring pride to a program that demands excellence.
“You can be known as a legend by beating Michigan,” St. Clair said. “That’s the opportunity in front of us. We’re not just here to play; we’re here to leave a legacy. And I can’t wait to get started.”
With his passion, leadership, and determination, St. Clair is poised to become a central figure in Ohio State’s quest to reclaim its dominance—not just over Michigan but in the broader college football landscape.
