Ohio State’s Bold Quarterback Move: Can Julian Sayin Lead the Charge Against No. 1 Texas?

The signal-caller was the third-string quarterback for the Buckeyes last season as he played 27 offensive snaps in four games. He completed 5-of-12 passes for 84 yards and one touchdown as part of the national championship team.

Sayin will be the first Buckeyes quarterback since 2021 to take the job without any previous starting experience in college. His first start will come against at home against the Longhorns in Week 1 in the first No. 1 vs No. 2 season opening matchup season in the history of the US LBM Coaches Poll.PATH TO PLAYOFF:Sign up for our college football newsletterSayin was a highly-touted recruit out of Carlsbad High School in the 2024 recruiting class as the third-ranked quarterback and 20th ranked recruit overall by 247sports. He originally committed to Alabama and was with the Crimson Tide for a brief period before the retirement of Nick Saban changed his plans, and he transferred to Ohio State.Last season’s starter Will Howard graduated and backup Devin Brown transferred to California, paving the way for Sayin to take over the starting duties.Ohio State has named Julian Sayin its starting quarterback ahead of the season opener against No. 1 Texas.

When the stakes are sky-high and the pressure weighs on every muscle and sinew, Ohio State just made the call that sets the stage for a season bursting with anticipation. Julian Sayin, a redshirt freshman with a pedigree as rich as his arm strength, has clinched the starting quarterback role for the Buckeyes — a decision that’s got everyone talking as they gear up to face off against No. 1 Texas in what’s already shaping up to be a historic opener. This isn’t just another quarterback change; it’s the birth of a new chapter for a team defending its crown amid fierce competition and relentless expectations. Sayin’s journey — from a top-tier recruit who once pledged to Alabama, navigating coaching upheavals, to embracing the spotlight in Columbus — is a tale threaded with resilience and promise. With last season’s veterans having moved on, the pathway clears for Sayin to step into the limelight, ready to prove he belongs at the helm, despite limited college experience. If you thought the Buckeyes’ story was settled, think again — the drama is just beginning. LEARN MORE

The defending national champions have their quarterback.”It was a close competition,” coach Ryan Day announced Aug. 18. “Julian seperated himself over the last week with consistent play.”

A redshirt freshman from Southern California, Sayin beat out redshirt sophomore Lincoln Kienholz for the starting job. The position battle began in spring practice and continued throughout fall camp before the decision was made less than two weeks before the season starts.