Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has named Julian Sayin the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback for the season opener against Texas on Aug. 30 at Ohio Stadium.
Sayin, a sophomore, won the job after a competitive preseason battle. The 6-foot-1, 208-pound signal-caller stood out with his arm strength and accuracy, ultimately edging out Lincoln Kienholz and others in the quarterback room.
A native of Carlsbad, California, Sayin was one of the nation’s most coveted recruits in the 2024 class. He was rated a five-star prospect and ranked among the top quarterbacks in the country after a standout career at Carlsbad High School, where he threw for nearly 8,000 yards and 86 touchdowns. He also earned MVP honors at the prestigious Elite 11 Finals.
Sayin initially enrolled at Alabama before transferring to Ohio State in early 2024 following the retirement of Nick Saban. He saw limited action as a freshman with the Buckeyes, appearing in four games and throwing for 84 yards and a touchdown.
With his promotion to the starting role, Sayin will lead an offense expected to contend for a Big Ten championship and a College Football Playoff berth. The Buckeyes, who open against a Texas team projected to be among the nation’s best, will look to Sayin to guide them through one of the toughest schedules in the country.
