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Major college football analyst gives Ohio State QB Julian Sayin an unfair ranking that only shows the pressure he has on him

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Jun 14, 2025 5:29 PM ET

The Ohio State Buckeyes are set to have a new starting quarterback once again for the 2025 season.

Will Howard was impressive in Columbus, but his stint lasted just one season after spending the previous four years at Kansas State. Before him, Kyle McCord held the job; he recently wrapped up his college career at Syracuse before signing with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Having a new quarterback is nothing unusual under head coach Ryan Day, who has earned the benefit of the doubt when it comes to choosing his starter. Heading into 2025, Ohio State will likely start either Julian Sayin or Lincoln Kienholz. Sayin, a former five-star recruit, is the overwhelming favorite.

Josh Pate Might Be Too High on Julian Sayin Entering 2025

CBS Sports analyst Josh Pate, host of a well-regarded college football show, recently ranked Sayin as the No. 2 quarterback in the Big Ten entering the 2025 season—behind only Penn State’s Drew Allar, a potential top-five pick in next year’s NFL Draft. While I respect Pate’s insight, this ranking may be premature given Sayin’s limited resume.

REPORT: I am socializing my Big Ten QB rankings with select people today. Will report feedback. pic.twitter.com/2nmdMIId5T
— Josh Pate (@JoshPateCFB) June 13, 2025

Sayin is ranked ahead of quarterbacks such as Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, Oregon’s Dante Moore, Illinois’ Luke Altmyer, UCLA’s Nico Iamaleava, Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola, and Michigan’s Bryce Underwood. While some of these players are also inexperienced, others have proven more at the college level.

Even if the rankings are meant as projections, it’s a lot of pressure to place on Sayin, who has just 12 career passing attempts heading into his true sophomore season. That said, there’s a strong belief he’ll thrive under Ryan Day—just as most Buckeye quarterbacks have in recent years.

The Sayin era likely won’t officially begin until fall camp, when a starter is named. From that point on, expectations will be sky-high for the former Alabama commit.

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

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