Julian Sayin is the future for the Ohio State football team, but the future isn't now

When you look at the quarterback position, the future is certainly bright for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Former Alabama transfer Julian Sayin was not only the top quarterback recruit in 2024, he was also the overall number one player. Talented true freshman Air Noland was in the top ten at the position.

For 2025, they’re bringing in Tavien St.Clair, who is the number two quarterback in the country. But Sayin is the one everyone is pointing to who will lead the Buckeyes into the future. However, the future isn’t now.

When it was time to replace Will Howard in the fourth quarter in Saturday’s win over Purdue, I saw many on social media complaining that Ryan Day went with Devin Brown and not Sayin. They claimed putting Brown in the game was taking valuable reps away from the guy who is the Buckeyes’ future at the position. As much as I like Sayin, he simply is not ready to be THE guy if something happens to Howard.

I like everything I’ve heard about Julian Sayin. He’s a hard worker who takes command of the huddle and was able to quickly earn the respect of his teammates. He’s athletic, has the ability to gain yards with his legs, and is accurate with his throws. But the arm strength to make all of the throws necessary to be a starter at a school wanting to challenge for a national title is not yet there. Sayin needs to get stronger.

This is not some sort of revelation. Ohio State practice observers back in August pointed out that Sayin has all the tools, but just needs to get bigger. He needs to work on his lower body so he can really step into throws and drive the ball.

Of the four throws he made against Purdue, three were of the kind that the ball needs to get there in a hurry, and it simply did not. He was accurate. The ball was most certainly put where it had to be, but the velocity was lacking.

Right now, the Buckeyes need Devin Brown to be ready in case Howard is unavailable. Julian Sayin might be the future, but the future isn’t now.