Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin is having fun in Arthur Smith's offense. For Buckeye fans, that's the greatest news fall camp could've produced. For Texas and the Big Ten opponents on OSU's 2026 slate, that's a scary thought.
Sayin not only spoke highly of Smith's offense, but he also confirmed that he's added significant bulk this offseason through the help of Buckeyes Associate Athletic Director for Football Sports Performance Mickey Marotti.
"Yeah, it's been a lot of fun working with (Arthur Smith)," Sayin said. "Obviously, he's someone who is an extremely bright offensive mind. And when you have someone that has an NFL background like that and has coached at the highest level – he's been an NFL head coach – it's really awesome for our development as players. We want to play at the next level, so it's really cool to have him in our corner.
"And it was very helpful in the offseason, (head strength coach Mickey Marotti) pushed me pretty hard. And I think the extra weight has helped me in throwing the ball and running the ball."
Sayin likes the system he's playing in within the new offense, and he has a build better suited to take hits and stay on his feet longer because of OSU's strength team. You like a QB who is working so well with the key figures who hold his NFL future in their hands.
That synergy is expected to have a big payoff this fall.
Julian Sayin has grown into Arthur Smith's offense physically
Sayin is adding size and strength at the right time. Smith's offense is going to demand that Sayin threaten the run. Smith's play-calling is designed to make runs and passes look identical to the linebackers. Sayin's versatility will give the attack more unpredictability.
Sayin already has plenty of film out there for defensive coaches to pick apart. If he could provide a radically different look, there wouldn't be much out there that early-season opponents, like the Longhorns, could glean from.
The more Sayin could do on the field, obviously, the less defenses could prepare for him.
Julian Sayin is an important constant in Columbus
Now in year three, with all of his seasons taking place in a Scarlet and Gray uniform, Sayin is one of the backbones of the offense. He's retaining most of the offensive line ahead of him, which will be great for continuity. Though he's losing Carnell Tate, his connection with Jeremiah Smith will define the program's ceiling.
Sayin's steadying presence will be a boon, particularly because of the uneven RB room. Isaiah West seems to be the only RB on track, with Bo Jackson not taking reps with first-teamers and Legend Bey getting in constant trouble.
Sayin's leadership will be put to the test with all of that in mind. On the other side of passing are endless rewards. Obviously, failing in that spotlight is daunting.
Sayin took the proper steps in the process, though, and he's having fun. Easier than not to be on the optimistic side here.
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