What Defines Success for Ohio State in 2025 and How Critical is Julian Sayin’s Role in the Buckeyes’ Championship Aspirations?
As the 2025 college football season approaches, questions swirl around the Ohio State Buckeyes. Following a stretch where the program has repeatedly knocked on the door of championship contention only to fall just short, fans, analysts, and insiders are asking one essential question: What exactly defines success for Ohio State this year? And perhaps more pressing — how good does Julian Sayin, the former five-star quarterback and Alabama transfer, need to be for the Buckeyes to reach their goals?
The pressure surrounding the Ohio State football program is immense, and that’s not new. Expectations in Columbus never dip below playoff contention and rarely waver from championship-or-bust. After missing the Big Ten Championship for three straight seasons and falling to Michigan each time, the pressure has only intensified. And now, entering 2025 with a new quarterback and one of the most talented rosters in the country, the definition of success will likely go beyond just wins and losses — it will hinge on how this team responds in the biggest moments.
For head coach Ryan Day, 2025 could be one of the most pivotal seasons of his tenure. Despite an elite win-loss record and consistent national prominence, his 1-3 record against Michigan has placed him under an uncomfortable microscope. In a rivalry that defines careers, Day must deliver — not just by beating Michigan, but by competing for and potentially winning a national title. Success this year, for many in Buckeye Nation, means nothing less than reclaiming the rivalry, winning the Big Ten, and reaching the College Football Playoff final.
That’s a tall order, but Ohio State may finally have the roster to do it. The defense is loaded with future NFL stars. The offensive line has stabilized. The wide receiver room, as always, is elite. But the biggest variable in the equation is Julian Sayin.
Sayin arrives in Columbus as one of the most highly touted quarterback prospects in the country. Originally committed to and enrolled at Alabama, the Carlsbad, California native made waves when he entered the transfer portal and chose Ohio State after the 2024 season. The move sent shockwaves through college football — not just because of Sayin’s talent, but because of what it signaled: Ohio State was done settling for “good enough” under center. They were going all-in on winning now.
So, how good does Julian Sayin need to be?
The answer depends on what you believe about the rest of Ohio State’s roster. If the defense lives up to the hype — and with returning stars like JT Tuimoloau, Sonny Styles, and Caleb Downs leading the way, there’s every reason to believe it can — then Sayin doesn’t have to be perfect. He needs to be efficient. He needs to avoid turnovers. He needs to make timely throws and trust the playmakers around him. In short, he needs to play winning football.
But if Ohio State finds itself in shootouts with teams like Oregon, Penn State, and yes, Michigan, then Sayin will need to be more than just steady — he’ll need to be elite. He’ll need to live up to the five-star billing. That means pushing the ball downfield, staying calm under pressure, and making game-changing plays in the fourth quarter.
The good news? Sayin appears capable of that. His arm talent, poise, and understanding of the game are well ahead of most quarterbacks his age. At Alabama, coaches raved about his maturity and precision. And since arriving at Ohio State, early reports suggest he has quickly gained the respect of his teammates and coaching staff. His connection with receivers like Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate has developed quickly, and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly seems eager to build the offense around Sayin’s strengths.
That brings us back to the broader question: What would make 2025 a successful season for the Buckeyes?
There’s a tiered answer here. At the base level, Ohio State must beat Michigan. Period. After three consecutive losses — including two that ultimately knocked them out of playoff contention — this game has become the benchmark for the program’s trajectory. A fourth loss, particularly with the game back in Columbus, could be catastrophic for morale and recruiting momentum.
Beyond that, winning the Big Ten is crucial. With the conference now including the likes of Oregon, USC, Washington, and UCLA, the path to a title is more difficult than ever. But the expanded Playoff format provides more opportunities — and fewer excuses. Finishing among the top two or three teams in the conference and securing a playoff bid is an essential goal.
And of course, there’s the national stage. Ohio State hasn’t won a national championship since the 2014 season. For a program of its stature, that drought feels interminable. Making the Playoff semifinal would be solid. Reaching the national title game would be celebrated. But winning it all — that would define the 2025 campaign as an unqualified success.
To get there, Sayin must be supported by a cohesive offensive unit. The Buckeyes’ running game, led by a deep stable of backs including Quinshon Judkins and Dallan Hayden, should take pressure off Sayin. The offensive line, with several returning starters and key additions, must protect him consistently. And the receiving corps — arguably the best in the country — must continue to dominate.
Defensively, Jim Knowles’ unit could be the best in college football. The combination of veteran leadership, raw athleticism, and depth makes this group championship-caliber. The secondary is elite. The linebackers are fast and physical. The pass rush is relentless. If the defense performs as expected, it will give Sayin and the offense more margin for error.
Still, there will be bumps. Sayin is young and untested at this level. There will be growing pains — poorly timed interceptions, missed reads, or struggles in hostile environments. The key will be how Sayin responds to adversity. Does he bounce back quickly? Does he rally his teammates? Can he put together clutch drives in critical moments?
Leadership will matter just as much as production. Ohio State doesn’t need Sayin to be Superman every Saturday. But they do need him to be a leader — someone the team trusts, someone who elevates the offense, and someone who delivers in the fourth quarter against elite opponents.
The intangible pressure also looms large. Playing quarterback at Ohio State is unlike any other position in college sports. Every throw is analyzed. Every game is a referendum. Legends are made in rivalry games and Playoff appearances. And for Sayin, the comparisons will come quickly — to CJ Stroud, Justin Fields, Dwayne Haskins, and even back to Cardale Jones and Troy Smith. Fair or not, expectations in Columbus are sky-high.
Fortunately, Sayin seems to embrace the pressure. His confidence isn’t arrogance — it’s composure. He understands the stakes. And if he delivers, even modestly, on the promise he brings, Ohio State could have its best shot at a national title in over a decade.
So, what defines a successful season for Ohio State?
At the minimum: beat Michigan, win the Big Ten, and secure a top-four Playoff seed.
At the maximum: win the national title and re-establish the Buckeyes as the definitive power in college football.
And how good does Julian Sayin need to be?
He needs to be the kind of quarterback who rises when it matters most. Maybe not a Heisman winner — though that’s within reach — but a quarterback who leads, who delivers under pressure, and who turns Ohio State from perennial contender into national champion.
All eyes are on Columbus. And as the 2025 season draws near, the Buckeyes are banking on Julian Sayin to be the final piece in their championship puzzle.
