Julian Sayin, quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Talks About Physical Change

Julian Sayin, a promising young quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes, knows all too well that football is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. But the physical demands of the game are undeniable, particularly for a quarterback, the position that often sits at the nexus of strategy, skill, and athleticism. Over the years, Sayin has undergone significant physical transformations — not just in the weight room but in his entire approach to training, nutrition, and recovery.

When Julian Sayin first arrived at Ohio State, he was a highly touted recruit, known for his strong arm, quick decision-making, and football IQ. However, there was more to his potential than meets the eye. Julian was lean, standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing in at just 190 pounds. He had the frame to fill out, but he wasn’t yet the physically imposing quarterback many expected him to become. At that stage of his career, Sayin was fast, agile, and had excellent footwork, but as he quickly learned, the demands of college football required much more than raw athleticism. His physical evolution would play a crucial role in his development as a leader, as well as a signal-caller.

Early Days: A Lean Frame, Fast Feet, and Big Dreams

During his high school years in Southern California, Julian Sayin was known for his ability to escape pressure and make plays on the run. His speed and elusiveness made him a nightmare for defenses, but when he committed to Ohio State, he realized that his athleticism alone wouldn’t be enough to thrive at the highest level of college football.

“The first thing that hit me when I arrived here was the size of the guys,” Julian recalled. “In high school, I could outrun most defensive players, but at Ohio State, every player is fast, strong, and skilled. I knew if I wanted to be successful, I would have to develop my body in a way that could handle the punishment and the physicality of the Big Ten.”

In the beginning, Sayin focused on developing his lower body strength and improving his speed. His quickness in the pocket and ability to extend plays with his legs were critical to his game. However, as he started to get more reps in practice, he began to realize that his body was not entirely prepared for the type of hits he would face from the ferocious defensive linemen and linebackers of the Big Ten.

“I quickly learned that being fast wasn’t enough,” he continued. “I had to become more durable. The hits in college football are real. You can’t just be quick and elusive. You need to be able to stand in the pocket, take hits, and still deliver accurate throws.”

Transition: Strength and Conditioning

By his second year at Ohio State, Julian’s commitment to physical development became more pronounced. He worked closely with the team’s strength and conditioning coach, who mapped out a training program designed to help him build both muscle mass and overall power. His goal was not just to gain weight, but to gain functional strength that would help him stand up to the physical toll of the sport while maintaining the agility and fluidity that made him effective as a quarterback.

“It’s all about balance,” Julian noted. “You have to keep the quickness and agility while adding more muscle and strength. I didn’t want to be the type of quarterback who had to rely on his legs all the time. I wanted to be able to stand tall in the pocket and make throws under pressure. But at the same time, I needed to be able to scramble and evade pressure when the pocket breaks down.”

One of the most significant physical changes Sayin underwent during this period was his increase in muscle mass. He began to work with a nutritionist who helped him develop a diet plan to maximize his muscle growth without sacrificing mobility. This meant a heavy focus on protein-rich foods and supplements, as well as managing his caloric intake to avoid unnecessary weight gain.

“I was probably eating six meals a day at one point,” Julian said, laughing. “It was all about finding that sweet spot between getting stronger without losing my athleticism. The team’s nutrition staff helped me a lot. I had to put on weight, but it had to be the right kind of weight.”

Julian also added more weight to his frame, gaining around 15 pounds of lean muscle over the course of the offseason. While this was a significant physical transformation, it was far from just about getting bigger. It was about getting stronger and more durable, while still retaining his speed and flexibility.

Adjusting to the Mental Side of Physical Development

As Julian’s physical appearance began to change, so did his mentality. The emphasis on training his body transformed the way he thought about the game and his role as a leader. Football, he realized, is not just a mental game, but a physical one as well, and the way a player trains his body often reflects his mentality.

In his freshman year, Julian had been primarily focused on learning the playbook, developing chemistry with his teammates, and refining his throwing mechanics. But as his sophomore year progressed, he started to shift his focus to the physical side of things with equal intensity. Every throw was now a product of his hours spent in the weight room and on the track. Every decision he made in the pocket was supported by his enhanced strength and stamina.

“I learned that football is a game of attrition. It’s about being able to last the whole season,” Julian reflected. “It’s not just about making the perfect throw or running the perfect route. It’s about being able to take the hits and keep going. That’s the difference between winning and losing. Your body is just as important as your mind in this game.”

This mentality was further reinforced during his redshirt sophomore season, when he took over as the starting quarterback for the Buckeyes. The increased strength allowed him to hold up better against the Big Ten’s elite defenses. He was now able to take hits from linebackers without going down on the first contact, and he could throw with more velocity and accuracy despite the pressure.

The Mental Shift: Leadership and Physicality

With his enhanced physicality came a change in how Julian approached his role as the quarterback. The quarterback is often seen as the leader of the team, but leadership isn’t just about throwing touchdown passes. It’s also about setting the tone with physical toughness. As a quarterback, Julian had to set an example for the rest of the team.

“There are times when the defense is going to hit you hard, and it’s your job to get up, brush it off, and keep playing,” he explained. “The way you handle adversity, the way you take hits and keep your composure, that’s how you earn the respect of your teammates. I wanted my offensive line and my receivers to see me take those hits and keep going. I wanted them to know that no matter what, I was always going to give it my all.”

That toughness and resilience began to show through in his leadership. In addition to becoming a more physically capable quarterback, Julian’s presence in the locker room became more significant. As his physical stature grew, so did his confidence. His teammates began to see him not just as a young player with potential, but as a leader capable of withstanding the physical grind of the season.

“Julian’s toughness is what really stands out to me,” said one of his offensive linemen. “We know he’s going to take a hit, get up, and keep moving forward. That gives us the confidence to go out and do our jobs to the best of our ability.”

A New Era for Julian Sayin

Now, as Julian enters his junior year at Ohio State, he has transformed into a physically dominant quarterback — not just in terms of strength, but in his complete athletic development. He now weighs around 210 pounds, with a solid muscle base that gives him the durability he needs to play at the highest level. But more than his size, it’s his ability to use that size to his advantage, blending it with his natural athleticism, that makes him a unique talent.

In interviews, Julian is quick to credit his coaches, teammates, and support staff for his development. However, he acknowledges that his success in college football is a result of the work he put in both on and off the field — work that goes beyond simply lifting weights or running sprints.

“I didn’t get here by just lifting weights or doing drills,” he said. “It’s about being dedicated to every aspect of my body. It’s about rest, recovery, nutrition, and mental focus. I’m always thinking about how I can improve, whether it’s getting stronger or taking care of my body so I’m ready for every game. That’s the real key to longevity in this game.”

As Julian Sayin looks toward his future with the Buckeyes, one thing is clear: his physical transformation is just as much a testament to his dedication and growth as a player as it is to the rigorous demands of college football. He’s no longer just a talented quarterback with potential; he’s a physically dominant force who can stand up to the toughest challenges and lead Ohio State to new heights.