Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin was terrific against the Texas Longhorns, so here's what to expect from him in week two with an expanded playbook.
The Ohio State Buckeyes' 2024 transfer portal haul continues to have an impact on the program, as the offense attack this season is being led by former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Julian Sayin in 2025.
Sayin, along with star safety Caleb Downs were the two players to come way from the SEC powerhouse. And while Downs played a significant role in the team's National Championship run last season, Sayin patiently waited for his time behind Will Howard. Now, the redshirt freshman is already off to the races after making his first start against the former No. 1 team, the Texas Longhorns.
In week one, Sayin completed an efficient 65 percent of his passing attempts, while also throwing for 126 yards and fourth-quarter touchdown to junior wide receiver Carnell Tate.
This, however, was just a fraction of what the young quarterback brings to the table for the Buckeyes. It was quite obvious that offensive coordinator Brain Hartline left the training wheels on for Sayin, so it's safe to say that Ohio State will unleash him in week two against Grambling State.
What To Expect From Sayin In Week Two
One of Sayin's key traits that was on full display against the Longhorns was his accuracy. His stat sheet clearly showed this, but the film indicates that he was even better through the air on Saturday. Sophomore Jeremiah Smith had two drops during the contest and tight end Max Klare had an early drop, which means that there was more in the tank for Sayin.
In addition to his accuracy, the gunslinger made multiple tight-window throws and proved his willingness to stay within the pocket in order to complete a throw.
With the Texas game under his belt, the Buckeyes will not face a defense as good as the Longhorn's for the rest of the regular season. This means Sayin will be asked to do more in the passing game moving forward, including more action downfield. When Ohio State needed a big play out of him early in the fourth quarter, Sayin found Tate for a 40-yard touchdown, proving that he is more than capable of attacking the deep parts of the field.
As a former five-star recruit, Sayin's main calling card was his accuracy, quick release and his ability to make throws to all three levels of the field. The program's week two matchup against Grambling State gives the talented playmaker the chance to take more shots downfield.
Another element to the passing game that fans will begin to see this week is the installment of more complex concepts. Hartline and Day were able to find success on offense in 2023 thanks to their ability to create space for their elite pass catching core. Since former quarterback Kyle McCord had experience with the program, Ohio State asked him to do more within the offense. And with Sayin's potential being much higher than McCord's, the Buckeyes will start to give him plays that require him to play on time and quickly get through his progression this year.