Ryan Day calls out the one thing Julian Sayin is going to need to do for Ohio State football as a returning starter
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Julian Sayin is entering Year 2 as the Ohio State football starting quarterback. Ryan Day isn’t shying away from what the Buckeyes will need from Sayin as a returning starter in 2026.
The 2025 college football season didn’t go the way the Ohio State Buckeyes wanted, despite a 12-0 regular-season record. Losses to Indiana and Miami stick out for Ohio State, and they hope to have a different outcome in 2026.
Ohio State returns WR Jeremiah Smith, as well as QB Julian Sayin for a second season as the starting quarterback. The offense was solid in Sayin’s first season as the starter, but the Buckeyes expect a step forward for the 2025 Heisman finalist.
Ryan Day calls out what Julian Sayin MUST do in 2026
With another year under his belt, Sayin needs to step up in the big games for the Buckeyes. When adversity hit against Indiana and Miami, that didn’t really happen.
“His biggest thing is going to be the lead in any which way, whatever it takes to win games,” Day said of Sayin via Lettermen Row. “To lead, to push those guys, to be clutch, to produce, everything that comes with leading.”
Day hasn’t often gotten a starting quarterback back for another season in Columbus. C.J. Stroud and Justin Fields did it, but Ohio State hasn’t had that since 2022 with Stroud. Having Sayin back in the system for another year, even with Arthur Smith now calling plays, is a big win for the program. Experience matters in college football and 14 starts in 2025 stand out for Sayin.
In 2025, Sayin completed a record-breaking 77 percent of his passes for 32 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. The California native had 3,610 passing yards, but -44 rushing yards when factoring in sacks. Ohio State would like Sayin to use his legs more and pick up tough yards when needed this year.
Ohio State’s schedule is a gauntlet with games against Texas, Oregon, Indiana, USC, and Michigan in 2026. Sayin will be in the spotlight often, and the Buckeyes won’t reach their goals unless the starting QB steps up in those moments.
This article was originally published on A to Z Sports. Read the full story here: Ryan Day calls out the one thing Julian Sayin is going to need to do for Ohio State football as a returning starter
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