Julian Sayin Steps In as Ohio State’s New Quarterback
Ohio State football has entered a new chapter in 2025, and all eyes are on redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Sayin. The Buckeyes are coming off a national championship season, but the challenge of repeating that success now rests in the hands of a young player who has already carried plenty of expectations since his high school days.
The big change came when Will Howard, last year’s starter and former Kansas State transfer, moved on to the NFL. Howard had been a key figure for Ohio State during their championship push, and his strong finish to the season ultimately earned him a sixth-round selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2025 NFL Draft. Replacing that kind of experience and production is never easy, but the Buckeyes believe they’ve found their answer in Sayin.
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Julian Sayin was named the starter a couple of weeks before Ohio State’s season opener, and the announcement carried weight. A five-star recruit out of California, Sayin had been ranked as the No. 1 quarterback and No. 6 overall player in the 2023 recruiting class. His reputation was built not only on natural arm talent but also on composure and accuracy, traits that impressed coaches and scouts early on. Even before arriving at Ohio State, Sayin made headlines when he transferred from Alabama after Nick Saban’s retirement, setting the stage for his eventual rise with the Buckeyes.
Last season, Sayin spent most of his time watching from the sidelines, backing up Howard and Devin Brown. He appeared only sparingly, completing 5 of 12 passes for 84 yards and a touchdown. But what he lacked in game reps, he made up for in preparation. Coaches and teammates have praised his poise, noting that his leadership and calm approach are already felt inside the locker room.
The true test comes immediately. Ohio State’s opener is no warm-up — the Buckeyes face top-ranked Texas at home, giving Sayin one of the toughest debuts imaginable. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, who has known Sayin since recruiting days, offered nothing but respect, calling him an elite passer with a quick release and pinpoint accuracy. Sarkisian admitted that with the offensive weapons Ohio State has — including All-American receiver Jeremiah Smith, fellow wideout Carnell Tate, and running back James Peoples — Sayin has everything he needs to succeed.
Adding to the support system is receiver Brandon Inniss, recently named a team captain. Inniss revealed that he sent Sayin a simple message before the opener: a reminder that he was proud of him and that he didn’t need to carry the pressure alone. It was a glimpse of the culture inside Ohio State’s program — one built on accountability, leadership, and belief in one another.
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