Football
The Rise of a New Quarterback Star at Ohio State
2025-02-27

Ohio State football may have discovered its next potential Heisman Trophy contender in Julian Sayin, according to former cornerback Denzel Burke. Despite the redshirt freshman's limited playing time, Burke believes Sayin has the makings of an exceptional quarterback. The player originally committed to Alabama but transferred to Ohio State following Nick Saban’s retirement. With key players leaving the team, Sayin is now set to compete for the starting position in spring practice.

Sayin's journey from top recruit to Ohio State began when he signed with Alabama as the country's No. 6 overall prospect. After transferring, he quickly impressed during his freshman year and is now poised to take on a larger role. Burke's confidence in Sayin's abilities suggests that the Buckeyes may soon see a return to the elite level of quarterback play established by C.J. Stroud under head coach Ryan Day. Spring practice will be crucial in determining Sayin's readiness for the upcoming season.

Burke's Candid Assessment of Sayin's Potential

Denzel Burke, known for his straightforward nature, has expressed high praise for Julian Sayin, despite reluctance to put undue pressure on the young player. Burke acknowledges the talent Sayin possesses while emphasizing the importance of letting his performance speak for itself on the field. His insights provide a glimpse into what fans can expect from the rising star.

Burke’s comments reveal a deep appreciation for Sayin’s skills. He highlights Sayin’s strong arm and pocket presence, qualities reminiscent of previous Ohio State quarterbacks like C.J. Stroud. Burke’s cautious optimism reflects a balance between recognizing Sayin’s potential and avoiding premature expectations. His experience as a former NFL-bound player adds weight to his assessment, suggesting that Sayin has the tools to succeed at a high level. Burke also notes the competitive environment Sayin will face in spring practice, which will be instrumental in shaping his development and readiness for the starting role.

Sayin's Path to Ohio State and the Road Ahead

Julian Sayin’s arrival at Ohio State was somewhat unexpected, stemming from a series of events that led him to transfer from Alabama. Initially committing to the Crimson Tide as one of the nation’s top recruits, Sayin found himself in the transfer portal after Nick Saban’s retirement. His decision to join Ohio State has positioned him as a key player for the future, especially with the departure of several veteran quarterbacks.

Sayin spent his freshman year making a strong impression during spring and fall practices, eventually securing the third-string quarterback position. With the recent departures of Will Howard and Devin Brown, Sayin is now in prime position to compete for the starting role. Spring practice starting on March 17 will be critical in evaluating his readiness and potential. Fans and coaches alike are eager to see how Sayin performs under pressure, potentially setting the stage for another era of outstanding quarterback play at Ohio State.

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