Julian Sayin singles out two of his Ohio State football teammates that could be breakout players for the Buckeyes
The Ohio State starting quarterback pointed out two rising Buckeyes defenders that fans will want to be watching in 2026.
The Ohio State Buckeyes don’t get to have down years or rebuilding years. Buckeye Nation expects them to compete for a national championship every season and to reload after losing key players the previous year.
Ohio State had 11 players drafted to the NFL back in April and 25 total over the last two seasons. The Buckeyes will have a lot of new faces this season, especially on defense. QB Julian Sayin recently pointed out two players on that side of the football to watch out for.
Julian Sayin reveals two Buckeyes trending toward a breakout
Ohio State is replacing important pieces like Arvell Reese, Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles, and Kayden McDonald on its defense. Sayin sees a linebacker and safety stepping up this fall into bigger roles.
“I think we have a couple. I’ve been talking about Payton Pierce, our Mike linebacker,” Sayin stated at the Manning Passing Academy, via On3. “He’s going to be a really good player this year. Not a breakout year, but I think Jaylen McClain’s going to have a great year.”
It’ll be the first year as a full-time starter for Pierce entering his junior season. The Texas native had 43 tackles, one interception, and a forced fumble last year as Ohio State’s third linebacker. Ohio State rolls with two linebackers much of the time, which was Reese and Styles a year ago.
Now, Pierce gets his chance as a full-time starter and even a leader in the room. He’s a tough linebacker who tackles everything around him. While he may not be as athletic as what the Buckeyes had last year, he’s more of a James Laurinaitis throwback type.
McClain started at the opposite safety spot from Downs last season and was a good player for the Buckeyes. Entering his junior season, McClain will have more responsibility on the back end of the defense for Matt Patricia. As a sophomore, McClain beat out Malik Hartford for the job and never looked back. In 2025, McClain recorded 53 tackles and three pass breakups.
When players are pointing out other players as Sayin did, it’s definitely different than a coach saying it, and it’s something to make note of. Both of these players will need to have big years for Ohio State to be at its best, and they’re fully capable.