Julian Sayin confirms suspicion on how Ohio State football is moving ahead of the 2026 college football season
Julian Sayin confirmed what we all knew about how the Ohio State Buckeyes are feeling heading into the 2026 season. It’s good news for Buckeyes Nation and exactly what they want to hear.
It’s no secret that the Ohio State Buckeyes will need a second-year jump from QB Julian Sayin to reach their biggest goals in 2026. Sayin got his first year of starting experience in 2025, and he’s expected to take a step forward as a redshirt sophomore.
Ohio State went 12-2 in Sayin’s first year leading the offense, but meat was left on the bone with how the season ended. Losses against Indiana and Miami to close out the season ruined what was a perfect year for the Buckeyes until those games.
As expected, it’s not sitting well with the Ohio State football team.
Julian Sayin says just what Buckeye Nation will want to hear
“I think our whole program does,” Sayin said when asked if he had a chip on his shoulder. “We didn’t end the way we wanted to. We wanted to get a championship trophy, and it didn’t end that way. So I think the whole program has a chip on our shoulder from that this year.”
Sayin had a strong season for the Buckeyes and finished as a Heisman Trophy finalist. The California native completed a record-breaking 77 percent of his passes for 3,610 passing yards, 32 passing touchdowns, and just eight interceptions. Sayin added nothing as a runner, and it’s the biggest part of his game that Ohio State needs to take a step forward in 2026.
Along with being able to get out of the pocket and run, Sayin has to improve in the pocket when pressure is getting home. Both Indiana’s and Miami’s defensive lines were able to cause issues for Sayin. The offensive line will return four starters up front and should be good again in 2026. Still, there’s going to be times where Sayin has to make something shake with a defender in his face.
It’s only at the point of summer workouts right now, but it’s good news to hear the Buckeyes are moving with a chip on their shoulder. Ohio State won it all two years ago, and while some of those players are still around, none of them were contributors to the championship run.
Ohio State’s goals are always beating Michigan, winning the Big Ten, and winning a national title. The expectation will be no different this fall.