Fresh off the euphoric high of a National Championship victory, the Ohio State Buckeyes are already turning their attention to what lies ahead in the 2025 season. With Will Howard leaving the program after steering the team to glory, one big question looms large in Columbus: Who will lead this powerhouse team at quarterback?
Enter Julian Sayin, the highly-touted former Alabama recruit who transferred to Ohio State with sky-high expectations. He’s armed with an elite throwing arm, jaw-dropping accuracy, and a ceiling that screams “future star.” However, there’s one catch: Sayin has yet to prove himself under the bright lights of game day.
Despite his inexperience, Sayin’s potential has already placed him on the radar of analysts across the country. On3 Sports, in their early rankings of the top 25 quarterbacks for the 2025 season, gave Sayin the nod—but barely. He snagged the final spot on the list at No. 25. While some might see that as a slight, it’s more of a “prove-it” challenge for a young quarterback who has all the tools but none of the on-field validation.
The Weight of Expectation
For a program like Ohio State, where championships are the standard, the pressure on Sayin is immense. Fans aren’t just hoping for competence at quarterback; they’re expecting brilliance. Fortunately, Sayin isn’t stepping into an empty cupboard. The Buckeyes’ offense is loaded with weapons that could make any quarterback’s life easier.
Leading the charge is the dynamic duo of Jeremiah Smith and Max Klare, both of whom are poised to terrorize defenses across the country. Add to that the explosive potential of Carnell Tate, a proven playmaker who will return to the fold, and you’ve got a recipe for offensive dominance. Ohio State’s recruiting success has given Sayin a supporting cast that could rival the best in college football history.
What Makes Sayin So Intriguing?
It’s rare for a quarterback to come into such a high-pressure situation with so much hype yet so little experience. Sayin’s journey from Alabama to Ohio State adds another layer of intrigue. Why did he leave the Crimson Tide? What does Ohio State see in him that others may have overlooked?
The answers might lie in his raw potential. Sayin is a quarterback who can sling the ball into the tightest of windows, read defenses like a seasoned veteran, and escape the pocket with ease when needed. But, as of now, these are just flashes of brilliance seen in practice and glimpses from his high school tape. Will he be able to translate that into consistent success against top-tier competition?
A Championship Window
The Buckeyes’ national title victory has opened up a unique opportunity: the chance to cement themselves as a dynasty. For that to happen, Sayin will need to rise to the occasion. Head coach Ryan Day, who has already proven himself as an offensive guru, is confident in Sayin’s ability to lead this team. The staff has meticulously built an offense around his strengths, creating the ideal environment for him to thrive.
But thriving isn’t a guarantee. Sayin will face some of the fiercest defenses in the country and will likely be judged not just on his stats but on his ability to deliver in the season’s most pivotal moments. The spotlight is already on him, and it will only intensify as the season approaches.
From Potential to Stardom
While his No. 25 ranking among quarterbacks might seem low, it’s a fair assessment given his inexperience. Rankings, after all, are earned, not handed out. However, if Sayin can deliver on his immense promise, he has the potential to climb those rankings—and fast.
With Ohio State’s high-powered offense and championship-caliber culture, Sayin has everything he needs to succeed. The question is: Can he seize the moment and etch his name among the Buckeye greats? If he can, Ohio State won’t just be looking at another strong season—they’ll be chasing back-to-back titles and cementing themselves as college football’s ultimate powerhouse.
In the end, Julian Sayin’s story could be one of redemption, resilience, and meteoric rise—or one of unfulfilled promise. The journey starts now, and the entire college football world will be watching.
