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'You’re Still on a Short Leash': Cam Newton’s Reality Check to Julian Sayin After QB Nod

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Aug 25, 2025 9:35 AM ET

The Ohio State Buckeyes made their quarterback decision official last week. Coach Ryan Day named Julian Sayin the starter for the Buckeyes’ season-opening showdown against the No. 1 Texas Longhorns on Saturday.

Sayin edged out junior Lincoln Kienholz in a competition that stretched through spring practice and into fall camp. Day said Sayin “separated himself, really, over the last week with his consistent play,” earning the nod to start the opener in front of the home crowd at Ohio Stadium.

The move adds another layer of intrigue to a highly anticipated matchup against Arch Manning and the Longhorns.

Sayin, the former five-star prospect who originally signed with the Alabama Crimson Tide before transferring to Ohio State following Nick Saban’s retirement, steps into one of the biggest Week 1 stages in recent memory.

Cam Newton Warns Sayin About the Real Challenge Ahead

Cam Newton, never one to hold back his thoughts, delivered a candid message to Sayin on his “4th&1” podcast. While congratulating him for winning the job, Newton stressed that being named the Week 1 starter is only the beginning.

“Just because you’re named and labeled the starter for Week 1 does not mean that you’re going to be the year’s starting quarterback,” Newton said. “You’re still on a short leash.”

Newton broke down his expectations for the 20-year-old signal-caller. First, Sayin must earn the confidence of the coaching staff by proving he can execute under pressure without costly mistakes.

Second, he must win the trust of teammates across the roster, making them believe he can lead the offense and set the tone.

Third, he must demonstrate resilience when adversity strikes, especially when the inevitable boos or rough games arise.

Newton explained that if Sayin can build trust with coaches, players and himself, the fourth step, earning the fans' loyalty, will follow. “At a major legacy university like Ohio State, those oohs and ahhs can easily turn into boos,” Newton said. “How will you handle that adversity?”

Sayin Faces Texas as His First Major Test

For Sayin, the opening challenge could not be bigger. The Buckeyes sit at No. 3 in the preseason rankings and will face Texas in a College Football Playoff rematch. It is a national showcase game that will pit two of the country’s most-talked-about quarterbacks against each other in Sayin and Manning.

Sayin has limited college experience, having played just four games in 2024, completing 5 of 12 passes for 84 yards and a touchdown.

Newton’s warning underscores the stakes. Ohio State has national championship aspirations after winning it all last year, but patience is rarely extended at programs of this caliber.

The Sayin era begins with pressure and promise, and whether he can turn his raw talent into production against Texas will be the first answer to Newton’s challenge. For Ohio State, the leash may be short, but the potential payoff is massive.

No quarterback in the last 20 years making his first start against a No. 1 team has won, so the odds are against Sayin. However, Ohio Stadium will get the first glimpse on Saturday when Sayin takes the field against the Longhorns, with the Buckeyes’ season trajectory hanging in the balance.

The Buckeyes host the Longhorns at noon ET Saturday on Fox.

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

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