Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin steps onto the field Saturday as the Buckeyes, ranked first in the country, host Ball State. It is his second season as starter, and he heads into the campaign as the only returning Heisman Trophy finalist in college football at this point.
Sayin ran the offense through a solid 2025 season and comes into 2026 carrying more responsibility. Coach Ryan Day has called out Sayin's development as a leader this year, praising his progress since last season.
Ohio State opens at home on September 5, and the bar for this squad are very high. Sayin will be leaned on heavily as the Buckeyes look to compete for a national title once again.
With a complete campaign already behind him, Sayin looks prepared to carry the load. Saturday's matchup against Ball State should provide an early chance to set the tone for what figures to be a big campaign in Columbus.