Coming into the 2026 season, Ohio State was aware that quarterback Julian Sayin could play his way into first-round 2027 NFL draft consideration. Before his throwing-arm shoulder injury during a 19-15 win over Indiana, Sayin was doing just that.
It only helps Sayin's case that the rest of the quarterbacks who were supposed to be in first-round consideration are either hurt or have seen a stock drop. Oregon's Dante Moore was knocked out due to a concussion, and Arch Manning has not put together a full 60 minutes of NFL quarterback tape yet. The closest Manning got was the Ohio State game, which looks like it did more favors for the Buckeyes than the Longhorns at this point.
Sayin could be out for the rest of the season, though, which changes the equation. Beyond the obvious worries about whether or not the Buckeyes' title window has closed, there's the thought that Sayin may have played his last snap in Scarlet and Gray.
Is that the case?
Julian Sayin looks more NFL-ready than any other draft-eligible QB
There's a genuine crisis in quarterback play across the NFL. You're seeing more guys on the more seasoned side get the nod over young guns. Quarterbacks are simply not being developed the way they used to be.
Is the Transfer Portal to blame? Maybe, to an extent. Whatever the issue is, it's making many question the quarterbacks coming through the pro pipelines from the college game.
One group of players who may be exempt, to a degree, is Ryan Day quarterbacks. Day helped develop Joe Burrow before he blossomed at LSU and C.J. Stroud. Sayin is someone front offices may be willing to take the risk on after his shoulder injury because of his development. It only helps that Nick Saban recruited Sayin to Alabama before retiring.
The NFL is right there for Sayin. If he wanted to pursue it and call it a career in Columbus, it'd be understandable.
Ohio State may need Julian Sayin more than the NFL will in 2027
Sayin could inspire a bidding war this offseason. Ohio State may be willing to pay more than the NFL could to keep him in Central Ohio.
Obviously, throwing big money on Sayin depends on whether Luke Fahey and/or Tavien St. Clair could keep the position handled the rest of the way. If either is ready to take the baton and run with it, Sayin's choice becomes easier.
St. Clair not being ready to be Sayin's backup right now is a massive disappointment to many, but Fahey had monster stats in the CIF. Perhaps Fahey deserves the benefit of the doubt for earning the backup job in fall camp.
If there really is a development problem across the sport, Day and Arthur Smith would rather take the proven entity. Jeremiah Smith's historic numbers with the program came with Sayin leading the offense for the most part.
We'll see how this unfolds, and if Sayin will need the Buckeyes more than they need him.
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