The Ohio State Buckeyes are preparing to name a new starting quarterback, and all signs point to Julian Sayin being the frontrunner. While the road ahead isn’t without challenges, the predicted starting signal-caller for the reigning national champions is garnering some bold comparisons. Some critics are even saying he could outplay Texas Longhorns QB Arch Manning and leave him in the dust.
Julian Sayin’s Rise to Ohio State’s QB1 Sparks Debate
Despite entering as an untested and unproven sophomore, Sayin has been thrust into the highly scrutinized role of succeeding a national champion quarterback and attempting to write his own story. However, his transition might not be as difficult as many expect.
The social media buzz around Sayin has reached some new heights recently, as a montage of his highlights was recently shared by NFL Rookie Watch, quickly gaining traction. The clip showcased Sayin’s impressive arm strength, with some inside reports calling him one of the most talented QBs the program has ever seen.
Those sentiments aren’t just fan talk. NFL scouts are already predicting Sayin’s future in the pros, and some are projecting him as a top-five draft pick, according to the report.
Nevertheless, the hype comes with mixed reactions. Some fans, particularly from rival schools, are cautious. Critics point out Sayin’s unconventional throwing mechanics — including his frequent “jump throws” and sidearm deliveries — which could be cause for concern.
There’s also skepticism about his untested abilities under “real-game” pressure. After all, transitioning from a backup role to a starting position is no small feat — especially when competing with incoming talent like Tavien St. Clair.
Still, Sayin is expected to be one of the top performers in the country. In fact, he is garnering many comparisons, including some similarities to Texas Longhorns star quarterback Arch Manning.
The debates went to a new level when Jack Crain, host of a popular sports podcast, “Crain & Company,” claimed that Sayin has the potential to be a generational athlete and can leave Manning in the dust.
Why Did Sayin Leave Alabama?
Before Ohio State, Sayin was a five-star prospect committed to Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide. He enrolled early, earning rave reviews from Saban himself, who praised his accuracy, arm strength, and football IQ. Yet, in a turn of fate, Sayin’s world was upended when Saban unexpectedly announced his retirement.
This seismic shift in Alabama’s coaching staff left Sayin without a clear path forward, prompting him to enter the transfer portal.
For Sayin, the decision to leave was as much about the coach as it was about the system. He didn’t feel a strong connection with the new Alabama staff, especially after the departure of Saban. “Just didn’t really have a relationship with them,” Sayin shared.
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The Ohio State coaching staff, particularly head coach Ryan Day, had already built a reputation for developing top-tier quarterbacks, which made it an easy choice for Sayin to head to Columbus.
Since his arrival, Sayin has been backing up Will Howard, seeing limited action but showing signs of his future potential. With the 2025 season on the horizon, Sayin will get a chance to prove that his decision was the right one.
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