Julian Sayin Made Thoughts on Heisman Duel With Fernando Mendoza 100% Clear
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Key Points:
- Julian Sayin was asked about Saturday’s title game
- He gave his thoughts on a potential Heisman duel
- He revealed what really matters
The Ohio State Buckeyes have not won the Big Ten Championship since 2020 when they beat the Northwestern Wildcats in the title game in Indianapolis.
Coach Ryan Day’s team has a chance to taste championship glory again on Saturday with a duel against Curt Cignetti’s Indiana Hooisers at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The game will pit two prime Heisman Trophy contenders, Julian Sayin and Fernando Mendoza, against each other in a game that will decide the 2025 Big Ten Champion and likely top seed in the 2025-26 College Football Playoff.
Sayin was asked about the duel between him and Mendoza and made his feelings very clear.
Sayin Dishes on Heisman Duel
Sayin made his priorities clear when asked about dueling Mendoza for a chance to win the Heisman Trophy.
“There’s a lot of talk that you, Fernando Mendoza, it’s the battle for the Heisman, how much do you listen to that talk, or really care about it at the end of the day?” Sayin was asked by reporter Nicole Shearin.
“Yeah, I’m not worried about it, we’re worried about, you know, we’re worried about going to win this game and we’re excited about the matchup and we’re worried about going and winning this game and doing everything we can to win it,” Sayin said.
Sayin brushed off comparisons between the IU defense to the Buckeyes’ defense and Mendoza’s completion percentage to his by Shearin, staying level headed and focusing on the task at hand.
“Yeah, I mean I think, we’re just gonna go and focus on our fundamentals and focus on playing our game,” Sayin said, adding that he is excited to play in a dome but was also excited to play in the snow against Michigan last weekend.
Sayin’s Poise Continues to Impress
One fan sounded impressed by the poise of the Buckeyes’ young QB.
“IU fan, but I love this kid,” they said. “Head on his shoulders, unlike the Vandy QB (Diego Pavia) who is auditioning for the Heisman.
“(Would) love to see Nando win it, but okay if Sayin does…Just Sayin (had to do it),” they added.
Sayin carved up the Michigan football defense on a snowy day in Ann Arbor last weekend and now has a chance to do the same in a temperature controlled environment against another talented defense.
Sayin’s pocket awareness allowed him to avoid pressure for most of the day against the Wolverines which will be key against an Indiana defense that is smart and well coached.
The Buckeyes are solid favorites heading into Saturday’s game and Sayin is a big reason why. Detractors will say he benefits handsomely from Jeremiah Smith’s presence as the nation’s best receiver, but the Buckeyes QB has the talent to prove he’s the best in college football and figures to be a lock for the Heisman ceremony in New York later this year.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 5, 2025, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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