COLUMBUS, Ohio — Julian Sayin is back for his sophomore season as Ohio State’s starting quarterback, looking bigger and stronger than ever.
Event Context
Will he improve? This is a pressing concern for the Buckeyes, who concluded last season ranked No. 5 in the Associated Press poll after holding the No. 1 position for most of the year. From a statistical perspective, achieving progress will be a challenge. In 2025, Sayin accumulated 3,610 passing yards and 32 touchdowns, along with eight interceptions, earning him the Shaun Alexander National Freshman of the Year award and a spot as a Heisman Trophy finalist. He set an Ohio State single-season record with a remarkable completion percentage of 77.0, ranking third all-time in NCAA history behind Bo Nix and Mac Jones. However, he was just moments away from claiming the Heisman. During the Big Ten Championship Game in December, with the Buckeyes trailing Indiana 13-10 in the third quarter, Sayin brought the team to the Indiana 5-yard line but fell short on a crucial 4th-and-1 quarterback sneak, turning the ball over on downs. This misstep allowed Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza to clinch both the Big Ten championship and the Heisman Trophy, leading the Hoosiers to a national title before being selected as the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders. Additionally, Sayin faced a difficult offseason following an unexpected defeat against Miami in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. Nonetheless, head coach Ryan Day expressed optimism about Sayin’s performance during the recent offseason program.
Player Focus
During the next possession, Sayin advanced the team to the Indiana 9-yard line, but his third down pass intended for Bennett Christian was intercepted in the end zone. Additionally, Jayden Fielding missed a critical short field goal that could have leveled the score with only 2:48 remaining in the game.
At Big Ten Media Days in Chicago on July 29, Day reflected on Sayin’s growth, stating, “You’ve experienced ups and downs, you’re not going to ride the emotional roller coaster that maybe you would as a young player. When you look in his eye now, you see a different person, you see a different body. He’s worked hard. He’s gotten stronger. He’s found his voice even more, and he’s got a great look in his eye. I think he’s poised for a great season.”
Sayin’s physical transformation is attributed to another offseason spent working with Ohio State’s director of football sport performance, Mickey Marotti, who also emphasizes cultivating leadership skills in quarterbacks.
Team Analysis
“Julian is definitely making progress in that aspect, and how can you tell? His teammates speak highly of him,” Day noted.
Sayin’s insights are likely to be even more impactful in his second year as a starting quarterback, whether he’s calling plays or exchanging competitive banter with the opposing defense during intense practice sessions in Columbus.
“When you’re the quarterback and you’re out there engaging with the defense, it boosts the O-line’s morale and they respond positively. It turns the whole experience into a lot of fun,” Sayin added.
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Match Outlook
At 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 214 pounds, Sayin may not possess the same physical presence as Josh Allen or Joe Burrow. However, a bit more strength and size could enhance his performance as he approaches another competitive season in college football.
“Coach Mick has really pushed me, and I believe gaining this added weight has benefited my ability to throw and run the ball,” Sayin remarked.
During Saturday’s red zone drills, he demonstrated an improvement in the velocity of his passes.
“Having a stronger foundation and increased leg strength contributes to quicker throws,” Sayin explained. “As Coach Day always reminds us, the red zone is tight with no one truly open, so we need to throw with speed and ensure we make those critical catches.”
