The spotlight is shining bright in Columbus as the Ohio State Buckeyes approach one of the most anticipated college football season openers against top-ranked Texas Longhorns on August 30. However, head coach Ryan Day is not adding pressure to his new starting quarterback Julian Sayin.
Day’s message to the redshirt freshman is refreshingly simple.
“The message is just win. Find a way to win,” Day stated.
The current national champion head coach made clear this week that he’s not placing complex expectations and game plans on Sayin. That sort of thinking has been handed off to the player and coaching staff focusing on the fundamentals that have made Ohio State successful.
“I think when you start setting expectations, you can get yourself out of whack,” Day explained.
“We’re gonna take it one play at a time.”
Day’s beliefs in his young signal caller partly rely on the talented skill position players surrounding him. His statement made it clear Sayin won’t have to carry the load.
“He’s got a good group of guys around him. “He’s got a good defense, he’s got good special teams, a good offensive line, good skill guys,” Day noted.
Day’s plan is to get Sayin playing in rhythm early on. Instead of trying to make any spectacular plays, Day will ensure Sayin leans into the game much more and focus on the fundamentals.
“He needs to lean into those players and find a way to win the game. We’ll try to get him into a rhythm and go from there,” he further elaborated.
The former five-star from Carlsbad, California, has taken an interesting journey to get here. He originally committed to Alabama and entered the transfer portal the day Nick Saban retired in January 2024.
Julian Sayin’s Arrival at Ohio State Comes at a Crucial Time
The timing of Julian’s arrival at Ohio State was important for the program. The Buckeyes were coming off their national championship run and needed their next person to step in behind center.
While last season Sayin learned the system as the third-string quarterback, he appeared in four games, completing five of 12, for 84 yards, and one touchdown.
Sayin’s physical change is also something that adds to Day’s confidence. He has also gained a decent amount of weight since high school, basically bulking up from 195 pounds to 208 pounds.
On top of that, Ryan Day’s recent contract extension through 2031 provides stability that can help with Sayin’s overall development. The seven-year deal worth 12.5 million per year, shows the university’s desire for continuity and a stable environment where Sayin can thrive and grow.
Read More:
- Julian Sayin Has The NFL Scouts Talking: Higher Ceiling Than Justin Fields
- Days Before Texas’ Opener vs Ohio State, Joel Klatt Sets Clear Expectations From QB Julian Sayin
- 3 Reasons Why Ryan Day’s Decision To Name Julian Sayin As Ohio State’s Starting Quarterback Can Backfire
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