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

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 4:20 PM ET

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.”

Ohio State’s superstar wide receiver Jeremiah Smith: ‘I’m not finished’

I had a chance to spend some time around ⁦@Jermiah_Smith1⁩ and his Dad on Sunday at the OT7 Playoffs. Even after a sensational freshman year, he’s still the same humble guy https://t.co/Oms7vcIs0I
— Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) July 1, 2025

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.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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