Julian Sayin’s Crucial Second Act: Why 2026 Will Define Ohio State’s Quarterback
Julian Sayin’s second year as Ohio State’s starting quarterback isn’t just another chapter in a young career-it’s shaping up to be the defining one. After a rookie season where he was more passenger than pilot, 2026 is the year Sayin takes the wheel and finds out just how far he can drive this Buckeyes offense.
Let’s rewind for a moment. Sayin’s first season in Columbus?
Solid. Efficient.
At times, even impressive. He was handed the keys to arguably the most talent-rich roster in college football, and for the most part, he didn’t crash the Ferrari.
The coaching staff-led by Ryan Day-kept things conservative. They didn’t ask him to win games on his own, just not to lose them.
And to his credit, Sayin played within the system. The result was a clean, mistake-free season that helped Ohio State stay in the national conversation.
But here’s the thing: That version of Ohio State isn’t coming back in 2026.
For the first time in years, the Buckeyes won’t be the most loaded team in the Big Ten. They won’t walk into every stadium with an overwhelming talent advantage.
The roster is still strong, no doubt. Sayin will have the nation’s top wide receiver as his go-to target.
The offensive line is dependable. The backfield is deep.
There are capable tight ends in the mix. But beyond WR1, the receiving corps drops off.
Depth at the skill positions isn’t what it used to be.
Defensively, Ohio State remains stout. The D-line is a strength, the linebackers are solid, and the secondary can hold its own.
But in a year where the margin for error shrinks, the difference-maker has to be the quarterback. And this time, there’s no governor on the engine.
Ryan Day and his staff will have to take the training wheels off and let Sayin run the show.
This is the natural progression for any young quarterback. Year one is about survival.
Year two is about growth. And in Sayin’s case, it’s about proving he can be more than a game manager.
At some point, every QB has to take the leap-from caretaker to playmaker. That’s where Sayin stands now.
The challenge? He’s got to rewrite the narrative.
Right now, the two games people remember most are his worst: a rough outing against Indiana and another clunker versus Miami. Those performances linger. They’re the last impressions heading into the offseason, and fair or not, they shape expectations.
Sayin’s job in 2026 is to flip that script. To show that when the pressure’s on and the game’s in his hands, he can deliver. Because that’s what Ohio State needs now-not just a quarterback who can operate the system, but one who can elevate the team when things break down.
If Sayin takes that step, the Buckeyes are still very much in the hunt-Big Ten contention, playoff conversation, the whole thing. But if he doesn’t?
If the leap doesn’t come? Then this season could slip away quickly.
It’s a pivotal moment for Sayin. The tools are there.
The opportunity is clear. Now it’s time to find out whether he’s ready to lead-not just follow.