As Ohio State writes the next chapter in 2025, Julian Sayin’s rise is among the top of them. The Buckeyes recently saw 14 players leave, including starting quarterback Will Howard, for the NFL Draft. With that exodus, the opportunity has finally come for Sayin – a former five-star recruit and Elite 11 MVP – to emerge as Ohio State’s next great story to capture the national spotlight.
Julian Sayin Poised for Stardom: Why the Buckeyes’ Next Breakout Could Be Their Former 5-Star QB
As Ohio State turns the page to 2025, few storylines loom larger than the rise of Sayin. The Buckeyes just watched a record 14 players, including starting quarterback Will Howard, head to the NFL Draft. In the wake of this exodus, the spotlight now shines on Sayin—a former five-star recruit and Elite 11 MVP—who could be the next great Buckeye to seize the national stage.
Sayin’s journey to Columbus was anything but ordinary. After signing with Alabama, he transferred to Ohio State in January 2024, seeking a fresh start and an opportunity to compete at the highest level.
Even before he took a meaningful snap, Sayin was already generating buzz. As one report noted, Sayin was one of the standout performers during a no-contact practice for the Buckeyes, with his quick release particularly noticeable as he threw alongside his competitors for the starting position.
That quick release and effortless zip on his passes have become his calling card, drawing comparisons to some of the most polished quarterbacks in recent memory.
His high school résumé reads like a blueprint for stardom: 7,824 yards, 85 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions, capped by a senior season with 2,347 yards, 24 touchdowns, and a single pick.
In the 2025 Ohio State spring game, Sayin delivered on the hype, going 17-of-24 for 175 yards and a touchdown—a performance that had head coach Ryan Day raving, “I thought Julian for the most part early on was in rhythm and moved the team down the field a couple scores which was good, made some nice throws there”.
Buckeyes Reload: Sayin Leads the Next Wave After NFL Departures
With so many stars gone, the Buckeyes’ offense is entering a new era. Sayin’s ascension comes at a time when Ohio State is searching for leadership and stability, especially after losing not just Howard but also key weapons like Emeka Egbuka and TreVeyon Henderson to the draft.
Yet, the cupboard is far from bare. Sayin will have elite targets in Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, a pairing with some inside the program whispering about his potential to be “the greatest Buckeye QB of all time”.
Multiple NFL scouts have already pegged Sayin as a future top-5 draft pick, and his reputation for the “quickest release” many teammates have ever seen only adds to the anticipation. His brief 2024 stat line—just 12 passes, 84 yards, and a touchdown—only hints at what’s to come.
But it’s his command of the offense and poise under pressure that have coaches and fans alike believing he’s ready for the moment. As Ryan Day put it, “He’s been unbelievable… he has a good plan when he gets out there. Doesn’t want to get his hand held. I’ve been impressed with his approach. And… he’s got a bright future”.
KEEP READING: Julian Sayin’s Lightning-Fast Release Has CFB Analysts Buzzing Ahead of 2025 Season
Sayin’s route to the starting job hasn’t come without competition. Lincoln Kienholz and Tavien St. Clair have kept him motivated throughout spring. Still, Sayin’s consistency, precision, and leadership have made him the easy choice to assume control in 2025.
Behind a rebuilt offensive line and fresh faces in the backfield, his processing of the game and ability to deliver the ball will determine the difference between a rebuilding year and another run at a championship.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
