Ohio State Buckeyes New QB Julian Sayin Faces Early Test Against Texas But Has Talent To Make Them Real Title Contenders

The excitement in Columbus is palpable, and it revolves around one player—Julian Sayin. The former five-star quarterback recruit is stepping into one of the most scrutinized positions in all of college football, taking the reins of the Ohio State Buckeyes offense. With lofty expectations from a demanding fan base and national pundits alike, Sayin’s debut as the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback won’t come with a soft landing. Instead, it begins with an early season clash that has the feel of a College Football Playoff preview: Ohio State versus Texas.

The matchup is already circled on the calendar as one of the most anticipated non-conference games of the year. Texas, fresh off their impressive 2024 campaign that saw them make the College Football Playoff, arrives loaded with one of the nation’s most complete rosters. From offensive firepower to defensive depth, Steve Sarkisian’s Longhorns represent a monumental first test for Sayin and the Buckeyes.

But if there’s one thing that has defined Julian Sayin’s young football career, it’s his poise in the face of pressure. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound signal-caller from Carlsbad, California, was the crown jewel of Ohio State’s 2024 recruiting class. Ranked as one of the top quarterbacks in the country, Sayin originally committed to Alabama but made a surprising and headline-grabbing flip to Ohio State late in the recruiting cycle—a move that sparked hope and high expectations in Buckeye Nation.

The Buckeyes have long been synonymous with elite quarterback play, from Justin Fields to C.J. Stroud, and now the torch is being passed to Sayin. Though only a redshirt freshman, he enters the 2025 season with the skills, mentality, and competitive fire that Ohio State believes can guide them back to national championship glory.

However, there’s no easing into that journey. Texas represents one of the toughest early season opponents Ohio State has faced in years. With Quinn Ewers now in the NFL, the Longhorns turn to a veteran-laden roster that blends explosive offense with suffocating defense. Their defensive front, headlined by All-American pass rushers and future NFL draft picks, promises to test Sayin’s composure, pocket awareness, and decision-making from the very first snap.

For many young quarterbacks, this scenario might be daunting. A prime-time national stage, playoff implications, and the relentless pressure of one of the country’s most aggressive defenses—it’s enough to rattle even the most polished veterans. But those who know Sayin well believe he’s built differently.

Throughout his high school career, Sayin was known not only for his quick release, precision passing, and high football IQ but also for his maturity beyond his years. His ability to process defenses, extend plays when needed, and deliver strikes under duress earned him comparisons to elite NFL quarterbacks during his recruitment process. Those same traits are what Ohio State will lean on as they prepare for their early showdown with Texas.

The Buckeyes’ offensive arsenal will certainly help ease Sayin’s transition into the starting role. Ohio State boasts one of the deepest and most explosive wide receiver groups in the country, headlined by returning All-American Jeremiah Smith. Smith, with his size, speed, and route-running ability, provides Sayin with a go-to target that can stretch the field and create mismatches against even the most talented secondaries.

Additionally, Ohio State’s backfield remains loaded with experienced running backs capable of controlling the tempo, easing pressure on their young quarterback. The offensive line, though replacing some key starters, remains anchored by NFL-caliber talent, tasked with keeping Sayin upright against Texas’s vaunted pass rush.

Head coach Ryan Day, a quarterback guru in his own right, has made it clear that Sayin’s development is priority number one. Day has praised Sayin’s work ethic, football intelligence, and leadership qualities throughout spring practices and fall camp. More importantly, Day has tailored the offense to maximize Sayin’s strengths—emphasizing quick reads, play-action concepts, and designed rollouts to utilize his mobility and accuracy on the move.

Still, as much as schemes and supporting casts can help, the ultimate success or failure will fall on Sayin’s shoulders. The Texas game will serve as an immediate litmus test not only for him but for Ohio State’s legitimacy as a true national contender in 2025. Win convincingly, and the Buckeyes vault into the top echelon of playoff favorites. Struggle or falter, and questions about readiness, leadership, and consistency will dominate the headlines.

History suggests that the outcome of these early-season heavyweight clashes can shape the entire narrative of a season. Just look back at 2024, when Texas stunned Alabama in Tuscaloosa, catapulting themselves into the playoff conversation. Ohio State hopes to script a similar story, only with Sayin emerging as the new star of college football.

If there’s a silver lining for Buckeye fans, it’s the precedent set by other young quarterbacks who have thrived on the big stage early in their careers. Trevor Lawrence famously guided Clemson to a national title as a true freshman. Bryce Young weathered immense expectations at Alabama to win the Heisman Trophy in his first year as a starter. Julian Sayin now has an opportunity to etch his name alongside those rising stars—and what better stage than a marquee matchup against Texas?

Sayin’s natural arm talent, combined with his ability to make throws from multiple platforms, is a significant advantage. His accuracy, particularly on intermediate routes, allows Ohio State’s offense to sustain drives, control the clock, and exploit defensive weaknesses. Moreover, Sayin’s calm demeanor and leadership presence have already earned the respect of teammates and coaches alike, despite his limited college game experience.

Off the field, Sayin embodies the kind of focused, team-first mentality that Ohio State covets. Known for his rigorous film study habits and relentless pursuit of improvement, he’s quickly adapted to the demands of Big Ten football. In interviews, Sayin consistently deflects attention from individual accolades, emphasizing team success, preparation, and execution—the hallmarks of a quarterback ready to shoulder immense reThe excitement in Columbus is palpable, and it revolves around one player—Julian Sayin. The former five-star quarterback recruit sponsibility.

The stakes against Texas couldn’t be higher. Not only does the game carry significant playoff implications, but it also serves as a measuring stick for the Buckeyes’ ability to reclaim dominance on the national stage. In recent years, Ohio State has fallen just short in critical moments, most notably against Michigan and in the College Football Playoff semifinals. Sayin represents the next chapter in their pursuit of a championship—one filled with hope, uncertainty, and boundless potential.

Critics will question whether starting such a young quarterback against a team as seasoned and talented as Texas is the right move. But for Ohio State, the decision is clear: Julian Sayin isn’t just the future—he’s the present. And his first true test comes under the brightest lights, against one of the most formidable opponents in college football.

If Sayin passes that test, he not only cements his status as Ohio State’s next great quarterback but also propels the Buckeyes into the thick of the national title conversation. Buckeye Nation has waited for a player like Sayin to take the reins—a poised, talented leader capable of carrying their championship dreams. Now, it’s up to him to deliver, starting with Texas.

All eyes will be on Columbus and Austin when these two powerhouses collide. For Julian Sayin, it’s the ultimate proving ground. For the Buckeyes, it’s a chance to reassert their place among college football’s elite. And for college football fans everywhere, it’s a glimpse of the next potential superstar ready to take center stage.