‘It’s going to be scary for opponents’: Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith may have revealed the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback

The Ohio State Buckeyes are once again entering new territory as they prepare for a third straight season with a new starting quarterback. Last season, Ohio State turned to transfer Will Howard to replace Kyle McCord after McCord entered the transfer portal. This year, the Buckeyes are expected to start a quarterback they’ve developed in-house. […]

Brandon Little Ohio State Buckeyes & Cleveland Browns News Writer
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Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) watches during spring football practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on March 17, 2025 Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Ohio State Buckeyes are once again entering new territory as they prepare for a third straight season with a new starting quarterback.

Last season, Ohio State turned to transfer Will Howard to replace Kyle McCord after McCord entered the transfer portal. This year, the Buckeyes are expected to start a quarterback they’ve developed in-house.

That quarterback is former Alabama signee and five-star talent Julian Sayin. While head coach Ryan Day has not officially named a starter, Sayin is widely expected to win the job, although Lincoln Kienholz remains in the mix.

Star wideout Jeremiah Smith speaks highly of Sayin — and talks like he expects him to be the guy 

In a recent interview with The Athletic, Smith spoke about his likely quarterback, Julian Sayin.

“That arm is different,” Smith said, via The Athletic. “He can make any and every throw. Just a smart quarterback. Like me, he’s a little quiet. But he’s starting to come out of his shell. He’s definitely going to be a guy. It’s going to be scary for opponents.”

That’s a strong endorsement from Smith, who clearly believes Sayin will be under center this fall. At 6 feet tall, Sayin may be smaller than past Buckeye quarterbacks, but his quick release and arm talent set him apart — perhaps unlike anything Ohio State has seen before. That isn’t to say he is going to blow everyone away with success but he’s just a different kind of quarterback. There is a ton of pressure on any Ohio State quarterback — that will be no different for Sayin if he is indeed the guy. 

With Brian Hartline taking over playcalling duties, the Buckeyes are expected to maintain a high-powered passing offense. Surrounded by elite talent — including Smith — Ohio State is going to keep airing it out.

It would be a surprise if anyone other than Sayin is starting Week 1 against the Texas Longhorns.