Sayin's Heisman Futures: Ohio State's Efficient Quarterback Profile
Comparing Sayin to Ohio State Heisman Quarterbacks
Julian Sayin’s 2025 numbers — 3,323 passing yards, 31 touchdowns and a 78.4% completion rate through the regular season — place him among Ohio State’s most efficient Heisman-era contenders, matching the production and efficiency that typified past Buckeye finalists while showing fewer interceptions than many historical peers[2][3].
How He Measures Up to Recent Heisman Winners
Against recent national winners, Sayin’s yards per attempt (9.3) and rating (182.1) mirror the modern Heisman prototype of high efficiency and big-play passing, though his lower rushing totals separate him from dual-threat winners; his statistical profile aligns more with pocket-oriented victors who posted elite passer ratings and touchdown totals in their winning seasons[2][3].
Implications and Outlook
If Sayin sustains accuracy and touchdown production while limiting turnovers, he will remain a leading Heisman candidate and a continuation of Ohio State’s recent trend of elite, high-efficiency quarterbacks[1][4].
About the People Mentioned
Julian Sayin
Julian Sayin is a highly regarded American college football quarterback currently playing for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Born and raised in Solana Beach, California, he attended Carlsbad High School, where he distinguished himself as a top quarterback prospect with a strong record, including a 30-4 career mark and nearly 8,000 passing yards. Sayin earned multiple accolades in high school, such as the 2023 Gatorade California Player of the Year and MVP of the Elite 11 Finals, highlighting his elite arm talent and advanced football IQ[1][3][8]. Initially, Sayin committed to the University of Alabama, enrolling early and serving on the scout team during their Rose Bowl appearance. However, following the retirement of Alabama’s head coach Nick Saban, Sayin transferred to Ohio State in early 2024. At Ohio State, he quickly progressed, serving as a backup quarterback during his freshman season and gaining experience in a competitive program known for national championship aspirations[2][3][4][6]. In August 2025, Sayin was officially named Ohio State’s starting quarterback as a redshirt freshman after the departure of Will Howard to the NFL draft. He made an immediate impact, leading the Buckeyes to a notable victory over No. 1-ranked Texas in his first start and delivering a career-high performance against Wisconsin with 393 passing yards and four touchdowns. Sayin has led the nation in completion percentage and passing efficiency during the 2025 season and has earned multiple weekly honors, including Big Ten Freshman of the Week and national freshman player of the week awards[3][5]. Sayin is recognized for his quick decision-making, accuracy, and leadership on the field. Off the field, he has secured several name, image, and likeness (NIL) endorsement deals, reflecting his rising profile in college football. His trajectory positions him as one of the sport’s most promising young quarterbacks with significant potential at the collegiate level[2][3][5].
About the Organizations Mentioned
Ohio State
## Overview The Ohio State University (OSU) is a major public land-grant research university located in Columbus, Ohio, established in 1870 and now one of the largest universities in the United States by enrollment[1][4]. As a member of the Association of American Universities, Ohio State is classified as an R1 institution—designating “very high research activity”—and serves nearly 50,000 undergraduate and 15,000 graduate students across more than 400 degree programs[4]. The university operates a main campus in Columbus and several regional campuses in Ohio, including Lima, Mansfield, Marion, and Newark, as well as the Agricultural Technical Institute in Wooster[1][3]. ## Mission and Activities Ohio State’s mission centers on academic excellence, research, and public service, embodying its land-grant heritage by providing accessible, high-quality education and driving innovation that benefits society[5]. The university is organized into 18 colleges and schools, offering more than 12,000 courses and housing over 200 academic centers and institutes where interdisciplinary research and policy-making thrive[1]. OSU is particularly recognized for its strengths in fields such as nursing, business, and supply chain management, with several programs ranked among the top 10 nationally[2]. ## History and Key Achievements Since its first graduating class in 1878, Ohio State has grown into an academic powerhouse. It is the nation’s top producer of Fulbright Scholars, a leading contributor of Peace Corps volunteers, and boasts an impressive roster of alumni and faculty, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer winners, and Olympic medalists[1][4]. The university consistently ranks among the top public institutions in the U.S., currently holding the 15th spot nationally and 1st in Ohio according to U.S. News & World Report[1][2]. OSU is also lauded for its commitment to student success, affordability, and veteran support, earning recognition as a “Best of
