Ryan Day issues challenge to Ohio State Buckeyes QB Julian Sayin that could quietly make or break the 2026 season

Ohio State needs more from Julian Sayin in 2026 and all involved know it.

Brandon Little — Ohio State Buckeyes & Cleveland Browns News Writer
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The Ohio State Buckeyes had their first of 15 spring practices on Tuesday, and it was the first look at what the 2026 team will look like. 

Ohio State will return QB Julian Sayin and WR Jeremiah Smith, their two most important players. Pressure will be on the Buckeyes to go further than the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, where they lost last season to Miami. 

The Buckeyes have to take a step forward this season and Sayin will be part of it. 

Ryan Day doesn’t hold back on what Julian Sayin must do in 2025

Coach Day is getting Sayin back for a second season and it’s the second time he’s had a returning quarterback while the head coach at Ohio State. Day knows exactly where he wants to see Sayin grow in 0226. 

“We all know the ball comes out accurately, throwing the football, but making an impact with his legs when appropriate, we know that that’s the X-factor that has to show up this year,” Day said on Tuesday. “He’s aware of that. He’s been working hard in the offseason.”

Sayin is listed at 6-foot-1, 208 pounds and that may be pushing it out a bit. The California product threw for 3,610 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, and seven interceptions last season. But Sayin’s running ability was rarely shown and he finished the season with 42 attempts for -44 yards when factoring in sack yardage. 

Ohio State has been at its best in the last when the quarterback is at least capable of running. C.J. Stroud finally showed it in his final games at Ohio State and it leveled him up. J.T. Barrett and Justin Fields’ legs were a big part of the game. The Buckeyes don’t need Sayin to be a dynamic runner, but they do need him to keep the defense honest with his legs. 

Day isn’t accidentally saying this publicly on the first day of spring practice. The Buckeyes know their offense won’t reach full potential unless Sayin can take off. Expect Ohio State’s quarterback to be more comfortable with taking off and running when the fall rolls around. 

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