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Ex-Michigan QB Delivers Verdict on Ohio State’s Julian Sayin

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 5:22 PM ET

The lofty expectations surrounding the Ohio State Buckeyes are ever-present, even in the face of a new starting quarterback and an unresolved battle for who will win the job before the upcoming season.

The Buckeyes were the subject of the latest team preview released by the "Crain & Company" podcast.

Julian Sayin, who transferred to Ohio State from Alabama after the retirement of Nick Saban, has patiently waited his turn to take over the Buckeyes' offense. However, head coach Ryan Day has not yet named a starter and will do so in August.

Podcast co-host David Cone, who played for Ohio State's rival Michigan Wolverines from 2006 to 2009, explained why he's high on Sayin to start and be the successor to Will Howard.

"Just the fact that (Sayin's) first game is against the guy who's getting all the hype (Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning), and you maybe think a lot of is because of his last name rather than his ability. Certainly, he must be thinking about that a little bit," Cone began.

"I think (Sayin) wants to go out and prove something, and I think, to JD's point, the fact that he sought out transferring to the Buckeyes when he was committed to Alabama and Nick Saban retired, I think he's ready for this moment.”

Sayin would be taking over from Howard, who is now a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers after being their sixth-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. After four seasons at Kansas State, he joined the Buckeyes and passed for 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns and 10 interceptions last year.

First committed to Alabama, Sayin entered the transfer portal and made the move to Columbus, Ohio, in January 2024. The 6-foot-1, 203-pound signal caller is in competition with Lincoln Kienholz and Tavien St. Clair, a 2025 five-star recruit from Bellefontaine, Ohio.

The Buckeyes' offense features one of the best playmakers in the country, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. As a true freshman, he collected 76 receptions for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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