3 Ohio State Hot Takes Before The Season: Julian Sayin is about to wake a lot of people up
We’re now less than two months away from the Ohio State Buckeyes opening their 2025 season with a bang—at home against the Texas Longhorns. Things will be tough for the Buckeyes right out of the gate, and that’s probably not a bad thing for a team coming off a National Championship—even if they did lose […]
We’re now less than two months away from the Ohio State Buckeyes opening their 2025 season with a bang—at home against the Texas Longhorns.
Things will be tough for the Buckeyes right out of the gate, and that’s probably not a bad thing for a team coming off a National Championship—even if they did lose a significant amount of talent from that group.
We’re also just two weeks away from Big Ten Media Days in Las Vegas, Nevada, which will really kick off the excitement. In the meantime, let’s dive into a few hot takes for the upcoming season.
Julian Sayin will throw for at least 35 touchdowns and silence any concerns
Ryan Day has consistently developed high-level quarterback play in Columbus. Even at its lowest—like with Kyle McCord—his quarterbacks still produced strong numbers. Now, the Buckeyes are in the midst of another QB competition between Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz.
Some concerns have emerged since Sayin, a former five-star recruit, hasn’t yet separated himself. But I expect that to change during fall camp, with Sayin ultimately locking in as the starter. With Jeremiah Smith entering his second year and Ohio State likely airing it out even more frequently, the passing stats should be impressive. Sayin is going to be just fine as QB1.
C.J. Hicks will finally break out and record at least five sacks
Every player’s development path looks different, and for C.J. Hicks, it appears his breakout will come in his final year at Ohio State. Entering his senior season as a full-time pass rusher, Hicks is finally in position to make a major impact.
After spending three seasons at linebacker—where he came in as a five-star recruit—Hicks will now get after the quarterback, where he’s better suited to thrive. He had two sacks last year, but that was just the beginning. I expect him to notch at least five sacks this season and potentially play his way into the NFL.
Freshman Bo Jackson will finish the season second in rushing yards
Ohio State’s backfield will look very different without TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, both off to the NFL. Still, new running backs coach Carlos Locklyn has a deep and talented group to work with. James Peoples is expected to lead the room in his second season, while CJ Donaldson transfers in from West Virginia.
However, the player I’m most excited about is freshman Bo Jackson. If not for injuries during his high school career, I believe he would have earned a five-star rating. Standing at 6-foot, 210 pounds, Jackson has impressed the staff this offseason. I believe he’ll finish the year second on the team in rushing yards.
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Going to go down to the wire.
