Julian Sayin gave Ohio State exactly what it needed this season - elite quarterback play from a true freshman who looked anything but inexperienced. His performance was so impressive that he ended up as a Heisman Trophy finalist, a rare feat for a first-year player. And while he didn’t walk away with the hardware, there’s no doubt in Columbus that Sayin is the future of the Buckeyes’ offense.
But as good as Sayin has been, the depth behind him is thin. Lincoln Kienholz is the only other quarterback on the roster with a start under his belt, and the Buckeyes know that if they want to protect their championship window - and their star quarterback - heading into 2026, they’ll need more than just raw talent in the QB room.
They need experience. They need insurance.
And they might find it in the Transfer Portal.
One name that makes a lot of sense? Aidan Chiles.
The former Oregon State quarterback, who followed head coach Jonathan Smith to Michigan State, is reportedly entering the Transfer Portal again with the coaching change in East Lansing. Now that Pat Fitzgerald is taking over the Spartans’ program, Chiles is looking for a new opportunity - and Ohio State should absolutely be on the phone.
Chiles checks a lot of boxes for what the Buckeyes need in a backup. He’s played meaningful snaps in the Big Ten, understands the speed and physicality of the conference, and brings a dual-threat element that could give opposing defenses a different look if he ever needed to step in.
He’s not just mobile - he’s dynamic when healthy. And that’s key, because injuries did limit his availability this past season.
That injury history is part of the equation. Chiles’ play style, which leans on athleticism and improvisation, naturally invites more contact.
That’s the trade-off with a mobile quarterback. But from Ohio State’s perspective, his upside as a backup is worth it - especially if he’s willing to embrace a role that doesn’t involve being the starter.
That’s the million-dollar question: Would Chiles be open to taking a step back in terms of playing time in order to be part of a winning program?
It’s not an easy sell. Chiles has starter-level talent, and there are plenty of schools that would hand him the keys to the offense tomorrow. But if his priority shifts from putting up numbers to being part of a national title contender - and learning under one of the top young quarterbacks in the country - then Ohio State could be the right fit.
From the Buckeyes’ perspective, adding someone like Chiles would be a smart, forward-thinking move. Sayin is the guy, no question.
But one injury can derail a season, especially in the College Football Playoff era where depth is everything. Having a proven, Big Ten-tested quarterback like Chiles waiting in the wings would give Ohio State a level of security that few teams can match.
And that’s why this potential pairing is so intriguing. Chiles might not be looking to be a backup - but he’d be one of the best in the country if he chose to be. And for a team with national championship aspirations, that kind of depth could make all the difference.