Spring practice is in full swing as programs around the country prepare for the 2025 season. One team drawing lots of attention is the Ohio State Buckeyes. The defending national champions have the talent to make another title run in the upcoming season.
Although the Buckeyes lost their quarterback, Will Howard, to the NFL draft, the new connection between Julian Saying and Jeremiah Smith is hyping up the Ohio State Faithful.
Julian Saying and Jeremiah Smith Connection Heats Up
Last season was a breakout year for Smith, the freshman who recorded 76 receptions, 1,315 yards, and 15 touchdowns. He was a driving force on the Buckeye offense and had one of his biggest games in the national championship, where he had five receptions for 188 yards, including a 56-yard touchdown.
However, there is a major change this season for Smith and Ohio State as Howard departed from Columbus for the NFL Draft. The star receiver will now have to find a connection with whoever Ohio State taps to replace Howard.
No one has been named the starting quarterback for the Buckeyes in 2025, but the top prospects appear to be redshift freshman Sayin, a South Carolina transfer, Air Noland, and Cal transfer Devin Brown. The three are currently battling for that QB1 spot.
Although head coach Ryan Day hasn’t made an official statement on who will be the top signal-caller for the Buckeyes next season, many are predicting Sayin will take the role. Even many players from last season have indicated that Sayin will be the starter.
When Howard was asked about the situation, he responded, saying, “Now, it’s his time.” Cornerback Denzel Burke chimed in, saying: “Julian’s that guy, to be honest with you.”
Along with the praise for his former teammates, Sayin has been showing out at practice, and fans are excited. One of the biggest factors in who will play quarterback for Ohio State will be who has the best connection with Smith, who is poised to have another big season and currently has the fifth-best odds to win the Heisman.
Buckeye faithful got excited on X after a video was posted of Sayin throwing a beautifully placed ball to Smith.
10-4 is good buddy.
Looking back at this pass from Julian Sayin to Jeremiah Smith the ball placement is perfect.
Aaron Scott makes a great play on the ball, but there is nothing you can do if Sayin is going to put the ball at that spot to Smith: pic.twitter.com/26ynA53UNl
— Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) April 6, 2025
If this connection grows and Sayin is declared quarterback for the team, Ohio State will have a great chance to repeat as national champions.
KEEP READING: Julian Sayin Is the QB Ohio State’s Been Waiting For
Not only will they be deadly as a combination this season, but they could be even better in 2026 as both will still be ineligible for the 2026 NFL Draft.
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