Here’s a bold statement: Nick Saban might just be onto something about Julian Sayin, even if Ohio State’s approach to their quarterback seems calculated and deliberate. But here’s where it gets controversial—while some see Sayin as merely a cog in the Buckeyes’ well-oiled machine, others, like Saban, argue he’s on the cusp of greatness. Let’s dive in.
On a crisp college football Saturday in October 2025, Saban made waves during ESPN’s College GameDay. When asked about the nation’s top quarterback, he didn’t hesitate to throw Julian Sayin’s name into the ring. Sure, there’s a personal bias—Saban recruited Sayin to Alabama and openly admires him. But his endorsement wasn’t just a sentimental nod. It was a calculated observation about what Ohio State is building around their redshirt-freshman quarterback.
And this is the part most people miss—Ohio State isn’t rushing Sayin into the spotlight. Instead, they’re methodically expanding his role week by week. After a 326-yard performance against Minnesota, many expected a fireworks display against Illinois. But coach Ryan Day’s staff took a step back, relying more on the run game in Champaign. Does this mean Sayin isn’t ready for prime time? Not at all. In fact, when given the chance, he’s been nothing short of efficient, completing nearly 86% of his passes 20-or-more yards downfield before the Illinois game. That’s not just good—that’s elite.
Take his performance against Illinois, for example. While the red zone offense had its hiccups, Sayin delivered when it mattered most, throwing a perfect fade to Jeremiah Smith early in the fourth quarter to seal the deal. Yet, if you glance at the box score—166 passing yards—it’s easy to underestimate his impact. Here’s the controversial question: Are we selling Sayin short by focusing solely on stats?
Saban, for one, sees beyond the numbers. He recognizes Sayin’s accuracy, poise, and potential to be the nation’s best. Will it earn him a Heisman this year? Probably not. But could it set the stage for a legendary moment when Ohio State needs it most? Absolutely.
So, let’s open the floor: Is Julian Sayin a future superstar being strategically developed, or is he just a product of Ohio State’s system? Sound off in the comments—we want to hear your take!
