Ohio State's Julian Sayin Throws Four Touchdowns in Strong Win Over Illinois

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin played at a high level in the win over the Illinois Fighting Illini.

Sayin completed 27 of 36 passes for 367 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He also rushed for 29 yards and a touchdown on seven carries. It was a quality game with a rare score on the ground for Sayin.

Sayin was efficient and found star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith for all four scores. Smith had an incredible performance with 12 receptions for 217 yards and four touchdowns. With the great offensive output, Sayin and Smith are still firmly in the mix to win the Heisman Trophy.

It will be difficult for Sayin to win the Heisman over contenders like his teammate Smith, Ole Miss' quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, Florida running back Jadan Baugh, and others, but with his numbers, he can't be counted out just yet.

Through four games, Sayin has completed 72.2 percent of his passes for 1,206 yards, 10 touchdowns, and an interception while rushing for two touchdowns.

He has established himself as an efficient pocket passer, but had some key runs in Ohio State's victory over the Fighting Illini.

The Buckeyes put up 42 points on Illinois and will look to ride the momentum into next week's matchup against the Iowa Hawkeyes. Iowa will be Ohio State's biggest test since they lost to the Texas Longhorns, as the Hawkeyes entered the weekend as the 17th-ranked team and are in a close matchup against the 18th-ranked Michigan Wolverines.

Sayin and the offense were inconsistent in their ranked matchup against Texas, as they scored 20 points in the first half but only three in the second half. In that game, he completed 17 of 32 passes for 278 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.

Sayin and the Buckeyes will need to do better against Iowa if they want to come out on top. 

He had an impressive first year as a starter in 2025, completing 77 percent of his passes for 3,610 yards, 32 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Sayin finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting and led Ohio State into the College Football Playoff. However, the Buckeyes weren't able to make a deep run, as they fell to the Miami Hurricanes.

Sayin and Smith have the potential to lead Ohio State to a National Championship, but will need to play a complete game against top opponents, with a great test against the Hawkeyes coming up next on the schedule.