Ohio State sophomore quarterback Julian Sayin wasn’t satisfied with how the Buckeyes’ 2025 season ended. Ohio State fell to Miami in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals in Dallas last January, a loss that still lingers. Despite the disappointing finish, 2025 was far from a wasted season for the Buckeyes’ first-year starting quarterback.
Sayin threw for more than 3,200 yards, 32 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions. Those are outstanding numbers for any first-year starter, but at Ohio State, the expectation is always the same: compete for and win a national championship.
Photo via Nick Michaels
After spending 2024 behind national championship-winning quarterback Will Howard, Sayin enters 2026 motivated by the lessons he learned during his first season as the starter. The mistakes and growing pains from 2025 have only fueled his determination to lead Ohio State back to the top.
One game that continues to stick with Sayin is Ohio State’s 13-10 loss to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game last December. While the Hoosiers went on to complete a magical 14-0 season, the pressure always falls on the quarterback at Ohio State. As the leader of the offense, Sayin knows those moments ultimately rest on his shoulders.
It’s also important to remember the circumstances surrounding Sayin’s first season. He was learning alongside a young offensive line while building chemistry with college football’s biggest star, Jeremiah Smith. Now, with five-star true freshman receiver Chris Henry Jr. joining the Scarlet and Gray, Sayin faces another opportunity to elevate both his game and the offense. His biggest objective in 2026 is taking the next step as the unquestioned leader of the Buckeyes while continuing to grow as a quarterback.
Photo via Nick Michaels
One area Sayin worked to improve during the offseason was his mobility. At times in 2025, he struggled to escape the pocket and threaten defenses with his legs. Expanding that part of his game has been a priority for both Sayin and head coach Ryan Day, who has emphasized creating a more versatile quarterback capable of keeping opposing defenses honest.
During Ohio State’s 2026 spring game, Sayin showcased noticeable improvement as a runner, flashing his ability to extend plays and pick up yards on the ground. His development impressed not only Buckeye fans but also his teammates and coaching staff.
All signs point toward a big step forward and elevation this upcoming season for the former Alabama commit. A more versatile skill set could make Sayin one of the nation’s top quarterbacks and elevate Ohio State’s offense to another level.
The Buckeyes open fall camp on August 6, with tickets now available to the public for the first three practices. Ohio State begins its 2026 season at home against Ball State, and expectations are once again championship-or-bust in Columbus.
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