Julian Sayin Delivers a Historic Season for Ohio State - And He’s Just Getting Started
Julian Sayin didn’t just live up to the hype in his redshirt freshman season - he redefined what excellence looks like at quarterback for Ohio State. While he didn’t walk away with the Heisman Trophy, Sayin’s 2025 campaign was nothing short of spectacular, offering a glimpse of a future that has Buckeye Nation buzzing.
Let’s start with the accolades. Sayin was a Heisman finalist, and though Fernando Mendoza ultimately took home the hardware, analytics told a different story.
According to Pro Football Focus, Sayin wasn’t just the best quarterback in college football last season - he posted the highest-graded season by any quarterback in the PFF era, which dates back to 2014. That includes some elite company, and yes, that includes former Buckeye star Justin Fields.
Sayin’s accuracy was off the charts. He posted an accurate throw percentage of 74.2% - the best ever recorded by PFF.
For context, Fields held the previous high mark at 72.4% during his 2020 run that led Ohio State to the National Championship Game. Sayin didn’t just flirt with that record - he passed it with authority.
And it wasn’t just about the numbers. Sayin’s poise in the pocket, ability to read defenses, and consistent ball placement made him a nightmare for opposing secondaries.
His performance in the season finale against Michigan was a masterclass in precision, slicing up one of the nation’s top defenses with surgical throws. That game alone cemented his status as one of the most accurate passers in college football.
Of course, he had some serious weapons at his disposal. Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate formed one of the most dynamic receiving duos in the country.
Tate, who’s expected to be a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, gave Sayin a reliable target in high-pressure situations, while Smith’s explosive playmaking added another layer to the Buckeyes’ aerial attack. With Smith returning in 2026, Sayin won’t be short on firepower.
Now, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Ohio State’s postseason stumble - back-to-back losses to Indiana and Miami - exposed some cracks, particularly along the offensive line.
Protection issues limited Sayin’s ability to operate at the same level he showcased during the regular season. But even in defeat, the talent and leadership were evident.
The foundation is there.
Looking ahead, there’s every reason to believe Sayin will take another leap. With a full offseason to develop under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith - and a potential boost from a more balanced run game - the Buckeyes are positioned to make a serious push for a national title in 2026.
Sayin’s already shown he can be elite. Now, with more experience and a chip on his shoulder, he has the tools to take Ohio State all the way.
In a program that’s seen its fair share of quarterback legends, Julian Sayin just put together a season that may top them all. And the scariest part for the rest of college football? He’s only getting started.