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By Jordan Sigler
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Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin was labeled as more of a game manager in his first year as the starting quarterback.
Sayin was helped by an impressive receiver corps last season, with Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate making life easy for the young quarterback. He completed 77 percent of his passes for 3,610 yards, 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions, helping Ohio State make an appearance in the Big Ten Championship Game and College Football Playoff.
Sayin struggled in Ohio State's 13-10 loss to Indiana in the Big Ten championship, throwing for 258 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He threw for 287 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in the Buckeyes' 24-14 loss to Miami.
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Ohio State needs Sayin to be more productive against elite defenses to win the national championship.
Per Jordan Reid of ESPN, there are "mixed" opinions on Sayin before the upcoming season. NFL scouts are concerned with his size and arm strength, though they are hopeful former Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith, now Sayin's offensive coordinator, could develop the young player.
"His 77% completion percentage led the FBS, as he's an efficient, point-guard-like distributor," Reid wrote of Sayin. "New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith will give him more opportunities with NFL concepts and progressions. Some scouts are skeptical about Sayin's size (6-foot-1, 208 pounds) and arm strength, which could limit his ceiling."
Talented quarterbacks have been able to overcome size issues in the league, like recently inducted Hall of Fame signal-caller Drew Brees, who stands at six feet. The arm strength is more concerning for Sayin and the Buckeyes.
Sayin won't have Tate to throw to after the Tennessee Titans took the receiver with the No. 4 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Smith should receive more targets from Sayin this fall, and he should help boost the quarterback's stats.
Sayin is capable of leading Ohio State to the national championship. However, he needs drastic improvement for his draft stock to rise in a talented class for 2027.
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