Ohio State Makes Julian Sayin Announcement Amid College Football Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hugh Green | Last updated Oct 23, 2025 2:55 PM ET

Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin has had an unbelievable start to the 2025 season. In seven games, Sayin has completed an FBS-leading 80% of his passes for 1,872 yards and 19 touchdowns with just three interceptions. The redshirt freshman is in his second year at Ohio State after serving as a backup during the Buckeyes' national championship run last season.

Under head coach Ryan Day, Sayin has led Ohio State to a 7-0 record and the No. 1 ranking in the AP Top 25.

Sayin was a five-star recruit and the No. 2 quarterback in the country in the class of 2024 out of Carlsbad High School in California, according to Rivals.

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) prepares to pass against the Texas Longhorns.© Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

With his stellar statistics and leadership of the Buckeyes throughout this season so far, Sayin has risen to the third spot in the Heisman Trophy odds, according to BetMGM. The 20-year-old's odds to win the award sit at +400.

Sayin is also in the conversation for other awards around the college football world due to his incredible play. On Thursday, Ohio State announced that Sayin was named to one prestigious award's watch list.

"QB1 @juliansayin2 earns Manning award Watch List ," the caption read.

QB1 @juliansayin2 earns Manning award Watch List pic.twitter.com/kyqavCIhRd
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) October 23, 2025

This award, which is sponsored by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, has been given to the top quarterback in the country every year since 2004. It is named after former Ole Miss Rebels star Archie Manning and his two sons, Eli and Peyton.

Sayin was one of 22 players added to the watch list on Thursday. If he were to win this season, he would become the first Ohio State and Big Ten quarterback to win the award in its history. The Oregon Ducks' Marcus Mariota won the award in 2014, before the school joined the Big Ten.

Finalists for the Manning Award will be named on Dec. 4, and the winner will be announced after the College Football Playoff National Championship in January.

Sayin and Ohio State have a bye this weekend before taking on the Penn State Nittany Lions on Nov. 1 at noon ET on Fox.

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

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