Julian Sayin News Emerges Before Indiana Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Dec 4, 2025 12:37 PM ET

The No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes (12-0) and the No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers (12-0) are facing off Saturday in the Big Ten Championship Game. It's a matchup that could decide the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.

Ohio State's offense ranks third in the Big Ten in points per game (37 ), led by redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Sayin. Through 12 games, he has completed 258 of 327 passes for 3,065 yards, 30 touchdowns, five interceptions and a 184.8 passer rating.

With him leading the offense, the Buckeyes are looking to win a Big Ten title for the first time since 2020 and the 40th time in program history.

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin.© Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Going into this undefeated matchup, the first-year starter continues to earn national recognition. On Thursday, it was announced that Sayin has been named a finalist for the Manning Award.

It's a yearly award named after Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning. It's given to the nation's top quarterback and takes bowl game and playoff performances into account.

The #ManningAward, presented by the @Allstate #SugarBowl has announced its 2025 Finalists!

of the nation’s top QBs are being recognized for their standout 2025 seasons! pic.twitter.com/HAKzbf6uAl
— Manning Award (@ManningAward) December 4, 2025

Sayin is one of 10 players to make the cut. Other Big Ten finalists include the Indiana Hoosiers' Fernando Mendoza and the Oregon Ducks' Dante Moore.

Cam Ward of the Miami Hurricanes brought it home in 2024. Sayin has the potential to be the first Buckeye to win the award in program history.

Sayin can continue making his case for the award against an Indiana pass defense that has been solid. Through 12 games, the Hoosiers rank fifth in the Big Ten in passing yards allowed per game (172.5).

ESPN BET places Ohio State as a four-point favorite. Kickoff is Saturday, scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The game is airing on Fox and streaming on the Fox Sports app.

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

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