At the end of last season, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin didn't have his play up to standard. In the last two games of the year, the Buckeyes only scored 24 combined points. That simply isn't good enough, especially against the best opponents they played all year.
Sayin seemed hesitant to scramble for easy yards in those final two games, which ended up mattering in a big way. Sayin has talked about fixing that problem. When looking ahead to this year, he says that one thing above all will help him play better in 2026.
Ohio State QB Julian Sayin says experience will help him the most
While speaking to the media during Media Day, Sayin specifically mentioned the fact that he has experience from last year as a reason he will play better this year. Last year was his first year as a starter, and he thinks that will make all the difference in his second year leading the program.
Julian Sayin has said one word much more than others during the first 15 minutes with the media: Experience. Sayin said there’s no substitute for experience, which he will lean on entering his second year with the Buckeyes — both on and off the field.
— Chase Brown (@chaseabrown__) July 29, 2026
Sayin was a Heisman Finalist last year, but the loss against Indiana kept him from winning that award. Now, he knows exactly what is required of him in order to win at the highest level. He has a great opportunity with a very hard schedule in front of him to quiet any doubters.
Losing Carnell Tate will be tough for Sayin, as he no longer has an established second receiver. Jeremiah Smith is the best player in the country, but he needs someone on the opposite side of him to help take some attention away from him. Sayin needs to be able to find someone else he can trust.
If Sayin gets strong offensive line play in front of him, the experience of last year should help him be a better quarterback against a much tougher schedule. That is what is going to be required of him if the Buckeyes want to win a championship. He understands that, as well.
Ohio State needs to be led by the offense to win a national championship
After losing three first-round picks on the defense, the Buckeyes are going to have to be led by Sayin and the offense. If they play up to the potential they have, it could end up being the best offense in the country. Ohio State has a lot of raw talent at the skill positions.
Ryan Day acknowledges that the running back room has to be really good this year for them to get where they want to go. He doesn't want Bo Jackson to have a sophomore slump, and that will further help Sayin become the best possible quarterback that he can be.
Sayin has gotten stronger and has worked on his running skills. His accuracy was on display a year ago, and he doesn't have any issues in that regard. Getting in the weight room should help his arm strength, which is the only knock on him when it comes to throwing passes.
Everyone in the Ohio State football program is counting on Sayin to be at his best all season long, not just the first 12 games.
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