Ohio State: Josh Pate Has Texas Concern for Julian Sayin's Second Season
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Julian Sayin had a pretty successful first season as the starting quarterback for Ohio State.
Sayin threw for 3,610 yards, 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
However, he acted as more of a game manager in the Buckeyes' losses to Indiana in the Big Ten championship and Miami in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl.
Year 2 should theoretically be better for Sayin with added experience. He'll have Bo Jackson in the backfield to complement him and the arguable college football's best player, Jeremiah Smith to target.
However, Josh Pate isn't sure if Sayin is ready to look the part of an Ohio State great under center. During "The Josh Pate College Football Show" this week, the host argued Sayin needed better "big game moments" in 2026.
“The big game moments, that's what I need to see, man," Pate said. "If he's clicking there, then there is no medium here, it's just high confidence. I'd say the same thing about Julian Sayne at Ohio State.
"Julian Sayin at Ohio State should make a leap this year. It stands to reason, he was a first time starter, first year starter last year. So again, the natural progression, the natural scaling up."
Pate believes Sayin should be more mentally prepared for big games in the upcoming season. With that being said, the quarterback will be tested when he faces Arch Manning and Texas in Austin on Sept. 12.
“I'm talking about on the road against Texas this upcoming year," Pate said. "They're going to be in several big games. And I remember last year, the Miami game, the last game they played last year, you're watching it and he's getting hit.
"And look, it's tough to respond well to that. 99 percent of humans don't respond well to that. You got to be a one percenter by default to be the starting quarterback for Ohio State."
Outside of Texas, Ohio State will be tested by Indiana, Oregon, USC and Michigan. It'll be a daunting slate of Big Ten games for the Buckeyes.
Ohio State will need an elite quarterback to get the program back to the CFP.
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