As the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare for the 2025 college football season, all eyes are on Julian Sayin, the redshirt freshman quarterback poised to take the reins of the offense. Following the departure of Will Howard to the NFL, Sayin has emerged as the frontrunner in the Buckeyes’ quarterback competition. His journey to this pivotal role has been marked by significant developments, leading to bold predictions about his future impact on the team.
A Promising Journey
Julian Sayin’s path to Ohio State was unconventional. Initially a five-star recruit committed to Alabama, he transferred to Ohio State after the retirement of Alabama’s legendary coach, Nick Saban. This move placed him in a prime position within the Buckeyes’ quarterback depth chart. During his freshman year, Sayin served as the third-string quarterback, gaining valuable experience and showcasing his potential in limited game action. He completed 5-of-12 passes for 84 yards and a touchdown, while also contributing 24 rushing yards on two attempts.
The Quarterback Competition
With the departure of Will Howard and backup quarterback Devin Brown’s transfer to California, the Buckeyes’ quarterback room has undergone significant changes. The current competition features Sayin, redshirt sophomore Lincoln Kienholz, and true freshman Tavien St. Clair. Collectively, these quarterbacks have limited collegiate experience, with Sayin having the most game exposure among them.
Analysts have weighed in on the competition, with many favoring Sayin to secure the starting role. JD PicKell of On3 highlighted the buzz surrounding Sayin, noting his impressive development and the anticipation of his potential impact on the team.
Comparisons and Expectations
Julian Sayin’s skill set has drawn comparisons to notable quarterbacks. Greg Biggins of 247 Sports likened Sayin to former Michigan star J.J. McCarthy, now with the Minnesota Vikings. This comparison underscores Sayin’s potential to make a significant impact in the Big Ten and beyond.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, ESPN has projected Sayin as Ohio State’s starting quarterback. They emphasized his rapid development and the coaching staff’s confidence in his abilities. Despite limited playing time in 2024, Sayin impressed with his grasp of the offense and readiness to lead.
Supporting Cast and Offensive Outlook
The Buckeyes’ offense in 2025 is expected to be dynamic, providing Sayin with a robust supporting cast. Standout wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate are anticipated to be key targets, offering Sayin reliable options in the passing game. Additionally, tight end Max Klare presents a versatile threat, capable of creating mismatches against defenses.
The offensive line, bolstered by returning starters and new talent, aims to provide Sayin with the protection necessary to execute plays effectively. Complementing the passing attack, the running game, led by James Peoples and C.J. Donaldson, is expected to keep defenses balanced and open up opportunities for play-action passes.
Heisman Watch and National Attention
Julian Sayin’s potential has not gone unnoticed on the national stage. Early betting odds for the 2025 Heisman Trophy list Sayin among the top contenders, reflecting the high expectations placed upon him. His combination of accuracy, poise, and playmaking ability positions him as a strong candidate to emerge as one of college football’s standout quarterbacks.
Challenges and Opportunities
Transitioning to a starting role comes with its set of challenges. Sayin will need to adjust to the increased speed and complexity of opposing defenses, make quick decisions under pressure, and maintain consistency throughout the season. However, his time as a backup allowed him to learn from experienced players and coaches, providing a solid foundation for his development.
The upcoming season presents an opportunity for Sayin to solidify his place in Ohio State’s storied quarterback lineage. With the support of a talented roster and a coaching staff known for developing quarterbacks, Sayin is well-positioned to lead the Buckeyes in their pursuit of consecutive national championships.
The Road Ahead for Julian Sayin
As Julian Sayin embarks on his first full season as Ohio State’s starting quarterback, the road ahead is filled with both immense opportunity and significant challenges. The Buckeyes’ schedule in 2025 is expected to be one of the toughest in recent years, featuring high-stakes matchups against Big Ten powerhouses such as Michigan, Penn State, and an emerging USC program under Lincoln Riley.
Sayin’s ability to handle the pressure of these marquee games will be critical in determining not only his personal success but also the Buckeyes’ chances of returning to the College Football Playoff. With the playoff expanding to 12 teams in 2025, Ohio State is expected to be in the thick of the national championship race. However, Sayin will need to prove he can deliver in clutch moments, particularly in hostile environments and against elite defenses.
Developing Under Ryan Day’s System
One of the biggest advantages Sayin has is Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, who has developed a reputation as a quarterback guru. Under Day’s guidance, quarterbacks such as Justin Fields, C.J. Stroud, and Kyle McCord have thrived, with Fields and Stroud both becoming first-round NFL Draft picks.
Sayin possesses many of the traits that have made Day’s previous quarterbacks successful: a quick release, excellent pocket presence, and the ability to make accurate throws under pressure. The Ohio State offense is designed to maximize a quarterback’s efficiency, with a strong emphasis on pre-snap reads and explosive plays downfield. Sayin’s ability to master this system quickly will be key to his success in 2025.
Key Areas of Growth for Sayin
Despite the high expectations, Sayin is still a young quarterback with areas that need improvement. Some of the key aspects he must refine include:
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Decision-Making Under Pressure – College football defenses will bring more disguised coverages and exotic blitz packages than he has faced before. Sayin must be able to process defenses quickly and avoid costly turnovers.
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Deep Ball Consistency – While Sayin has shown accuracy in short-to-medium passing situations, developing a consistent deep ball will allow Ohio State to stretch defenses and open up the offense.
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Leadership and Command of the Offense – Taking over as a starting quarterback at a program like Ohio State requires more than just physical talent. Sayin will need to command the huddle, build chemistry with his teammates, and become the vocal leader of the offense.
Potential for a Special Season
If Sayin meets or exceeds expectations, he could be the catalyst for another dominant season in Columbus. With an elite supporting cast around him, including a top-tier offensive line and one of the best receiving corps in the nation, Sayin has all the tools necessary to lead the Buckeyes to a Big Ten title and a deep playoff run.
Many experts believe that Sayin has the potential to be one of the best quarterbacks in college football by the end of the season. If he performs at a high level, Ohio State could see yet another quarterback enter the Heisman conversation and position himself as an early-round NFL Draft prospect.
Final Thoughts
Julian Sayin’s rise to Ohio State’s starting quarterback has been anything but conventional, but the future looks bright for the young signal-caller. With a golden opportunity ahead of him in 2025, Sayin has a chance to cement his name in Buckeye history and potentially lead Ohio State to another national championship.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Sayin to see if he can live up to the significant predictions surrounding his name. If he does, Buckeye Nation could be celebrating another memorable era of Ohio State football, with Julian Sayin at the center of it all.
Conclusion
As the 2025 season approaches, Julian Sayin stands at the threshold of a promising career with the Ohio State Buckeyes. The significant predictions and high expectations surrounding him are a testament to his talent and potential. While challenges are inevitable, Sayin’s journey reflects a trajectory of growth and readiness. Buckeye Nation eagerly anticipates the impact he will make as he steps into the spotlight, aiming to lead the team to continued success on the national stage.