Julian Sayin will be a fascinating study in 2025 because he is going to be required to take a major leap in his second year starting.
Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin is in for the most important year of his young football career.
Year one was very good for the budding star. He was given the keys best roster in America, and for the most part, he kept the sports car in between the white lines.
Head coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes offensive staff kept the "governor" on the car and didn't ever let him really test his ability until the postseason. It felt like all year the Buckeyes protected Sayin from making the big mistake, and the result was a really efficient season that was incredibly successful.
However, when the pressure was put on Sayin to win a football game, he was overmatched because he had never been in that type of moment.
Going into 2026, that is going to all change.
Ohio State is no longer going to have the best roster in the country or even its conference. For the past five seasons, the Buckeyes have walked off the bus with the most talented roster. That will not be the case in 2026.
Sayin will have the best receiver in America, he will have a solid offensive line, good running backs, solid tight ends, and below-average receivers two through five. On defense, the Buckeyes will have a very good defensive line, solid linebackers, and a good secondary.
The difference for them will be at the quarterback position, and Ryan Day is going to have to let Sayin run with this team.
Now, this progression isn't unique to Sayin or Ohio State. This is pretty much the way that it goes for every young quarterback who is on the rise. There comes a point in time when a risk has to be taken, and you really learn the true nature of Sayin.
Right now, the two lasting memories of Sayin are a stinker against the Indiana Hoosiers and a stinker against the Miami Hurricanes.
That's what people are taking into next season, and that is what Sayin has to wipe from their memory.
If Sayin can take that next step, the Buckeyes will be in great shape heading into next season. If he struggles to take the leap, Ohio State's season could get away from them.
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