Julian Sayin Named Starting Quarterback for Ohio State Buckeyes

The Ohio State Buckeyes have officially chosen Julian Sayin as their starting quarterback for the upcoming season opener against the Texas Longhorns, which is set for August 30th.

As the defending national champions, Ohio State will kick off their title defense against Texas, notably with Texas fielding Arch Manning as their starting quarterback.

Ohio State’s head coach, Ryan Day, expressed that there were clearer signs of consistency in Sayin’s performance compared to Lincoln Kienholtz, which helped in making the decision for the starting role. “It was a close competition. We have confidence in both quarterbacks. While Lincoln has showcased many great skills, we’re naming Julian as the starter to take the majority of the snaps as we prepare for Texas,” he said.

Although Sayin is listed as a sophomore, he still qualifies to play for four years. He transferred to Ohio State from Alabama in January 2024.

Sayin remarked on August 5th about the importance of gaining trust through consistent daily performance, “I think it’s all about making plays consistently day after day.” He was a five-star recruit and recognized as the top quarterback in his class, having made a name for himself at Carlsbad High School in California.

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian acknowledged Sayin’s talents, stating, “We pursued him heavily. He’s an elite passer with impressive arm strength and accuracy. He’s equipped with great tools and weapons around him, which can really enhance his game.” This highlights the excitement surrounding Sayin’s upcoming role.

Furthermore, Ohio State has enhanced its offense by bringing in Jeremiah Smith and Kernel Tate, giving Sayin plenty of resources to thrive this season.