Urban Meyer Sends Strongest Message Yet On Ryan Day’s Legacy By Praising Julian Sayin’s Role In Ohio State’s Future Success

Urban Meyer, the former Ohio State head coach and one of the most iconic figures in Buckeyes football history, has never been shy about sharing his thoughts on the direction of the program he once led to glory. But his latest comments on Ryan Day’s leadership and Ohio State’s future sent arguably the strongest endorsement of Day’s tenure to date — and it all centers around a name Buckeye Nation can’t stop talking about: Julian Sayin.

Meyer, who guided Ohio State to the 2014 national championship and cemented his legacy among college football’s elite, delivered his remarks during a June 23, 2025 appearance on a Columbus sports radio show. With Ohio State fresh off its first national championship in nearly a decade and the fan base already buzzing about the 2025 season, Meyer couldn’t resist diving into the key factors that will define Ryan Day’s legacy as the Buckeyes’ head coach — and his comments made it crystal clear where he stands.

“Ryan Day’s built this into a machine,” Meyer began, his tone leaving no room for ambiguity. “The culture, the expectation to win — it’s back where it belongs. But what excites me most is what’s coming next. People talk about the guys we lost, and sure, Will Howard’s gone, that entire defensive line is off to the NFL, but this roster is built to sustain success.”

Indeed, Ohio State enters the 2025 season with sky-high expectations following their national title run, but they’ll do so without several key contributors. Quarterback Will Howard, who led the Buckeyes through a historic postseason run, declared for the NFL Draft. The entire starting defensive line, widely regarded as one of the most dominant units in college football, also heard their names called on draft day.

While most programs would face a significant rebuild under those circumstances, Meyer insists the Buckeyes are different — largely because of the foundation Day has laid and the recruiting pipeline that remains as potent as ever.

Meyer’s most notable remarks, however, revolved around redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Sayin, the highly touted former five-star recruit who’s now at the center of the Buckeyes’ quarterback conversation. Though Sayin has yet to be officially named the starter, Meyer believes his talent is undeniable and his presence reflects the depth and future potential of Ohio State football.

“Julian Sayin’s special,” Meyer declared. “You watch him throw, and the ball just dances out of his hands. It’s like poetry in motion. His quick release, his field vision — he’s got traits you can’t teach. And sure, people will nitpick his size, say he’s only 6’1”, but let me tell you, there have been plenty of six-foot-one quarterbacks who carved up defenses.”

Sayin, a product of Carlsbad High School in California and the No. 2 overall quarterback in the 2024 recruiting class, turned heads during Ohio State’s spring practices. Reports out of camp suggest he’s pushing for the starting role, showcasing impressive command of offensive coordinator Brian Hartline’s system and a poise beyond his years.

Meyer was quick to caution that Sayin isn’t guaranteed the job just yet, but his assessment made it clear he views the young quarterback as a potential linchpin for Ohio State’s championship aspirations.

“I’m not handing him the keys just yet — that’s Coach Day’s decision,” Meyer clarified. “But this kid’s ceiling? It’s through the roof. And with Hartline’s offense, with the talent we have at wide receiver, if Julian’s the guy, Ohio State won’t miss a beat.”

It’s high praise from a coach known for his meticulous evaluation of quarterbacks, and it underscores a broader theme Meyer emphasized throughout his interview: Ryan Day’s legacy is already secure in many ways, but his pursuit of greatness — of surpassing even the legendary Woody Hayes — is far from over.

“People don’t realize how hard it is to sustain this level year after year,” Meyer explained. “Woody Hayes is a legend. His legacy will always be etched in Buckeye history. But Ryan’s on that track. Winning a national title? That puts him in the conversation. But to really surpass Woody? It’s about consistency, about being in that playoff hunt every year, about developing quarterbacks who can win on the biggest stages.”

Meyer pointed to the stability within the Buckeyes’ coaching staff, particularly Hartline’s development as an offensive play-caller, as critical components of Day’s success. The former Buckeye wide receiver turned coordinator has been instrumental in maintaining Ohio State’s status as a premier offensive powerhouse, consistently developing elite talent at the skill positions.

“Brian Hartline is one of the best recruiters and minds in the country, period,” Meyer asserted. “What he’s done with that wide receiver room is historic, but now you’re seeing him grow as a coordinator. You combine that with a quarterback like Sayin — it’s scary for opposing defenses.”

Of course, Meyer also acknowledged that sustaining success will require more than offensive firepower. With the departure of the entire starting defensive line, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles faces the challenge of reloading a unit that terrorized opponents throughout the 2024 season.

But Meyer remains confident that Ohio State’s defensive identity is in good hands, citing the Buckeyes’ recruiting depth and player development under Day’s leadership.

“Losing that defensive line hurts — no question,” Meyer admitted. “But we’ve got dudes in that locker room ready to step up. The standard’s been set, and with the way we’re recruiting, we’re not going anywhere.”

Perhaps the most striking part of Meyer’s endorsement came when he reflected on the broader implications of the Buckeyes’ recent national title and what it means for Day’s pursuit of coaching immortality in Columbus.

“I’ve been in that building. I know what those expectations feel like,” Meyer said. “Ryan’s embraced it. He’s never run from it. He’s already silenced a lot of doubters by winning a national championship. But knowing Ryan, knowing how competitive he is — he’s not satisfied. He wants more. He wants to be the coach who surpasses Woody Hayes, who’s remembered as the greatest to ever do it at Ohio State.”

For Meyer, Julian Sayin represents more than just a promising young quarterback — he symbolizes the continuity and high ceiling of the Buckeyes program under Day’s stewardship. In Meyer’s eyes, Day’s legacy isn’t defined solely by past accomplishments but by the program’s unwavering trajectory toward sustained excellence.

“Legacy’s about more than one trophy,” Meyer concluded. “It’s about building something that lasts, that competes every year, that develops great players and great men. Ryan’s done that, and with guys like Julian Sayin coming through the pipeline, Buckeye Nation has a lot to be excited about.”

With Meyer’s glowing remarks circulating and the 2025 season fast approaching, all eyes will be on Columbus to see if Ryan Day, Julian Sayin, and the Buckeyes can take the next step in their championship quest — and perhaps solidify Day’s place atop Ohio State’s coaching Mount Rushmore.