FOX Sports' Joel Klatt believes Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin is the No. 10 player in the country heading into the 2026 season. Klatt also believes that Sayin needs to change his game to maximize OSU's offense this fall.
Klatt gave first-year play-caller Arthur Smith a clear edict on how to improve Sayin's game: have him take more downfield shots when the opportunity presents itself instead of settling for a checkdown.
"I think his next step in his maturation as a quarterback is to take those shots down the field. I think the other area that hurt them is the fact that he's not a very big guy … the short yardage issues for Ohio State were a thing," Klatt said.
"This is likely going to be an offensive-led team. This is one of — if not the best — offenses in college football. Led by Sayin. He's calm, cool and collected. He learned some lessons late last year… I think he's going to be better for it as he moves into his second year as starter."
Sayin still had 16 completions of 40+ yards during the 2025 season, which was tied for third in the nation. With Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate's creating separation better than most weapons in the sport, Sayin had it easy. The hope is that Chris Henry Jr. could provide what Tate did on the outside so Sayin doesn't skip a beat.
Sayin may have a new weapon on the inside who will help as well in LSU Tigers transfer Kyle Parker. The slot specialist had a head-turning spring and could be the first game-changing transfer receiver in the Ryan Day era.
Sayin needs to allow the expected strong running game under Arthur Smith to set up the deep shots downfield to whoever is running go routes. The rewards are endless if he could make that leap.
Julian Sayin needs to drastically reduce checkdowns in 2026
Smith will have plenty of designed HB and TE screens this season, but he needs to make sure Sayin isn't settling for checkdowns. Ideally, Sayin could use his legs more to move the chains. Sayin promised he'd focus on doing that more, so we'll see if he keeps his word.
That'd be what's best for his career if he does. Sayin is an NFL prospect in the eyes of many, but he has shown to be too immobile to project superstardom at the next level. If Sayin could learn to pick his spots to avoid too much damage outside of the pocket, he'd be a vastly improved prospect.
Extending plays with your legs is, a lot of the time, easier to get past the line of scrimmage than trying to complete a short pass. It could be less risky, depending on the situation, as well.
If Sayin could learn to do that, he'll be more unpredictable and force more attention from opposing linebackers on spying the QB. The more defenses are focusing on Sayin, the less resources they have to focus on all his weapons.
It's all intertwined. Sayin needs to open up OSU's offense because there is a generational beast potentially waiting on the other side.
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