Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin has emerged as the frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy, with betting odds now set at +175, following a standout performance in the Buckeyes’ 38-14 victory over Penn State at Ohio Stadium on Saturday afternoon. This game solidified his position as a top candidate for college football’s most prestigious individual award.
Sayin’s remarkable run this season has caught the attention of many, including Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, who stated, “If Julian continues to play the way that he’s playing, he deserves to be in the conversation, at the very least.” The quarterback has achieved impressive statistics, completing 85% of his passes for over 300 yards and three or more touchdowns in four games this season. Notably, no other quarterback in the country has managed more than one game with such numbers, according to ESPN Research.
Sayin, who transferred to Ohio State from Alabama in the offseason after coach Nick Saban retired, has quickly made his mark. He currently has thrown for 2,224 yards, with 24 touchdowns and only three interceptions, leading him to a fifth-place ranking nationally with a quarterback rating (QBR) of 87.9. His completion rate of nearly 81% sets him apart, as no other quarterback exceeds 75%.
The Buckeyes are on a quest to win back-to-back national titles for the first time in their history. Sayin, who served as a backup during last year’s championship run, is now excelling in his first season as a starter. He has already thrown eight touchdowns on passes of 20 yards or more, tying for the third-most in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
Sayin attributed much of his success to his teammates, stating, “The receivers do a great job, and the running backs do a great job in pass protection, and it’s really the offensive line giving me time to be able to go through my read. So, that’s really a team stat.” His ability to connect with wide receivers has been a key factor in his performance. Two of his top targets caught passes for 57 yards each in the recent game, contributing to a combined total of 147 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Coach Day praised Sayin’s aggressive play, emphasizing the quality of his deep throws. “Julian’s really getting more and more confidence every day,” he added.
As the season progresses, Sayin’s performances will be closely monitored, especially as he aims to maintain his momentum leading into crucial games. The Buckeyes’ next challenge will be pivotal as they pursue their goal of securing another national championship. The attention on Sayin and his Heisman candidacy is set to grow, especially with the upcoming matchups that could further define his legacy and impact on college football.
