Ohio State has appointed Julian Sayin as starting quarterback.
Coach Ryan Day made the announcement on August 18, when the Buckeyes put Redshirt freshmen from Southern California in the middle when they were playing against Texas' highest-ranked Texas State in less than two weeks.
Sayin defeated Redshirt sophomore Lincoln Kienholz's starting work in the positional battle where spring practice began and continued throughout pre-season training camp.
Day said Senin separated himself during the last week of practice, including the weekend's trials.
“Overall, Julian is more consistent,” Day said.
Day quickly met two quarterbacks early in the morning to inform them of the decision.
The timing of the announcement follows Day's familiar pattern, who settled in the quarterback game within two weeks before the season's opening. Now, the Buckeyes are expected to transition to game preparation before they face off against the top five of the Longhorns.
Sayin fits the overview of typical quarterbacks in recent years. He was named a recruit at the All-American high school quarterback in the 2024 grade and is considered his Pole as a passer. Day compared Sayin with former record quarterback Dwayne Haskins Jr. early in the camp and pointed out his agility in release.
However, there are slight detours on the way to join the Buckeyes. He signed with Alabama in late 2023 and then headed to Ohio State a few weeks later after legendary coach Nick Saban retired, a decision reopened the transfer portal for Crimson Tide players.
Last fall, Sayin, the Buckeyes' third quarterback, sat on the depth charts between Will Howard and Devin Brown and competed in four games, including three games in the regular season, qualifying for the Redshirts. He completed 5 of his 12 passes for a total of 84 yards and 24 yards in two runs.
The Buckeyes will be switching to quarterback for the first time since 2021 without any previous college admissions experience.
Howard, who moved from Kansas to Ohio State last year, started his 25 career with the Wildcats, and even McCord, who won a starting job in 2023, was a two-time freshman as CJ Stroud succumbed to his injured shoulder.
Keenholdz also has limited experience. Most of his 68 careers were in 2023, when he replaced Brown with an injury and lost to Missouri in the Cotton Bowl.
Joey Kaufman introduced Ohio State football to Columbus dispatch. Send him an email [email protected] And follow up Bruceky,,,,, Instagram and x More.
This story has been updated to add gallery and new information.