Everything at Ohio State revolves around the quarterback. It's the most scrutinized position in Columbus, maybe in all of sports. If you're the Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback, you aren't just a college kid; you're the CEO of a multi-million dollar offensive machine with the weight of an entire state on your shoulders. Honestly, the pressure is kind of insane.
Right now, that weight belongs to Julian Sayin.
After a 2024 season where Will Howard led the Buckeyes to a National Championship—finally getting that monkey off Ryan Day’s back—the transition to the "Sayin Era" in 2025 wasn't just smooth; it was borderline historic. We're talking about a kid who didn't just meet the hype but basically reshaped what we expect from a first-year starter in this system.
What Most People Get Wrong About the QB Room
People think it’s just about having a five-star arm. It’s not. It’s about the "processing."
When Julian Sayin transferred from Alabama following Nick Saban’s retirement, the armchair scouts were worried. Was he too small? Could he handle the Big Ten weather? By the time the 2025 season kicked off against Texas, those questions felt silly. Sayin won the job over Lincoln Kienholz and Devin Brown—who both eventually sought greener pastures via the portal—because he sees the field like a ten-year NFL vet.
2025 Stats That Don't Look Real:
- Completion Percentage: 77.0% (School Record)
- Passing Yards: 3,610
- TD/INT Ratio: 32 touchdowns to just 8 interceptions
- Efficiency Rating: 177.46
Basically, he’s a machine. He broke the Ohio State record for most consecutive completions in a single game against Grambling, hitting his first 16 targets. You’ve got to understand how rare that is in a Ryan Day offense that actually takes shots downfield. This isn't just dink-and-dump stuff.
The Heisman Run and the Miami Heartbreak
Sayin wasn't just "good for a freshman." He was a Heisman Trophy finalist. Watching him connect with Jeremiah Smith—who is easily the best receiver to ever wear the Scarlet and Gray—was like watching a video game on easy mode. They had this telepathic connection where Sayin would just loft the ball into a bucket 40 yards downfield, and Smith would be there, inevitably.
But, being the Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback means you’re judged by the last game of the year.
The 24-14 loss to Miami in the Orange Bowl (the CFP semifinal) still stings for fans. Sayin went 22 for 35 with 287 yards, but two interceptions proved fatal. It was the first time all year he looked human. Some critics pointed to the lack of a veteran backup to push him, or perhaps just the sheer fatigue of a 14-game grind.
Looking Ahead to 2026: The New Depth Chart
The portal window just opened, and the room is shifting again. With Lincoln Kienholz heading out, Ryan Day has been busy.
- Julian Sayin (Junior): The undisputed King of Columbus. He’s the reason Buckeyes fans are already booking playoff tickets for next January.
- Tavien St. Clair (Redshirt Freshman): The local hero from Bellefontaine. He’s got the "it" factor and a cannon for an arm. If Sayin so much as sneezes, St. Clair is ready to go.
- Justyn Martin (Transfer): The Buckeyes just landed this veteran from Maryland (by way of UCLA). He’s not here to start. He’s here to be the "adult in the room"—a veteran presence who can step in if the unthinkable happens.
- Luke Fahey (True Freshman): The newcomer who’s mostly here to learn the system and run the scout team for now.
It’s a different vibe than the Will Howard days. Howard was a bridge; Sayin is the destination.
Why the Run Game Matters for the QB
You can't talk about the Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback without mentioning the guys standing behind him. In 2025, Sayin benefited from a revived run game led by Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson. For 2026, the burden shifts to Bo Jackson and CJ Donaldson.
If the running game struggles, defenses can drop seven or eight into coverage. That’s when Sayin gets into trouble. We saw it in the Miami game. When the Buckeyes couldn’t establish the line of scrimmage, the windows for Sayin’s precision passes got smaller and smaller.
The Verdict on the Current State of Affairs
Is the QB room in good shape? Yeah, absolutely.
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Honestly, it’s probably the most talented room in the country. You have a Heisman finalist returning for his junior year and a five-star backup in St. Clair who would start at 90% of other Power Four schools. The addition of Justyn Martin via the portal solves the depth issue that nearly bit them last year.
Actionable Insights for Buckeyes Fans:
- Watch the Spring Game: Pay close attention to Tavien St. Clair. The gap between him and Sayin will tell us if there's a real competition or if this is Julian’s show until he turns pro.
- Monitor Offensive Line Recruiting: Sayin is elite, but he isn't a "scrambler" like Justin Fields. He needs a clean pocket. If the tackles struggle in pass pro, his numbers will dip.
- Jeremiah Smith Tracker: Their chemistry is the engine of this team. If they stay healthy, 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns isn't out of the question for Sayin in 2026.
The era of the Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback being a question mark is over. For now, the answer is Julian Sayin, and the ceiling is a National Championship.