The Ohio State football program is committed to Julian Sayin being the starting quarterback next season. He was a Heisman Finalist as a freshman, so there is no reason to give up on him now. Sayin still has the chance to be a true superstar in the game of college football.
That doesn't mean that the Buckeyes aren't afraid to add some depth at that spot. They lost Lincoln Kienholz to the Transfer Portal, so they needed some depth at the QB spot. Tavien St. Clair was supposed to be the new backup quarterback with Kienholz gone.
Now, St. Clair might have some competition for that backup spot as the Ohio State Buckeyes head into 2026. The Buckeyes were able to land a commitment from the Transfer Portal Justyn Martin. Ohio State now marks the third school for Martin in his career.
Ohio State football team adds depth at quarterback with Justyn Martin signing
Martin has signed with the Buckeyes after spending just one season with Maryland. Before that, Martyn spent two seasons with UCLA. He's someone who has hardly played, as he has only thrown 35 career passes. He understands that being a backup is likely his calling in college.
Bringing a veteran in to help Sayin is a great move by Ryan Day. Even if Martin loses the backup battle to St. Clair, having someone who has played in multiple systems and who has been around college football is valuable for the locker room. That's the kind of leadership that Martin brings to the table.
Ohio State was poking around the portal to possibly bring in a new player at that spot, and Martin is who they landed on. He is no threat to usurp Sayin's starting spot. Other than Sayin, the Buckeyes didn't have anyone in the quarterback room who had taken significant snaps. Adding Martin just gives the coaching staff some peace of mind.