COLUMBUS, OH — After outplaying the much heralded and talked-about Arch Manning and the then top-ranked Texas Longhorns in a 14-7 win, is QB Julian Sayin the next “super sophomore” at Ohio State?
Sayin, a 6’1 208-pound former five-star prospect out of Carlsbad, California, originally committed to Alabama in December of 2023, under then-head coach Nick Saban. Upon Saban’s retirement, Sayin entered the transfer portal before ultimately committing to Ohio State in the fall of 2024.
In what was a heated QB competition between him and Lincoln Kienholz, Sayin held off the junior for the QB1 in Columbus. In his first game under center vs. Texas, it was Sayin—not Manning—who shined when it mattered the most.
Up 7-0 in the third quarter, Sayin lofted a 40-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Carnell Tate, effectively sealing the game at 14-0.
For the game, Sayin completed 13-20 passes for 126 yards, one touchdown and a passer rating of 134.4. While not exactly jaw-dropping upon first glance, Sayin looked like the better and more confident passer compared to his more over-hyped New Orleans-born counterpart in Arch Manning.
Sayin effectively managed newly-promoted offensive coordinator Brian Hartline’s offense in making quick reads and decisive throws while also not making any mistakes against a stout Texas defense loaded with talent destined for Sundays.
While still learning and growing, it is wise for the Buckeyes to bring Sayin along slowly and give him more access to the playbook. But based on the promise shown, Sayin could potentially channel beloved Buckeye legend in Lancaster-born QB Rex Kern.
Kern, who helped lead the “Super Sophomores” of the 60’s to two national championships in 1968 and 1970 in running Woody Hayes’ high-powered offenses, was ahead of his time for a QB who was only 5’11 and 194 pounds.
Upon full disclosure, I myself have never seen Kern, as he was before my time, but all the stories I have heard about him with his quick release, lively arm and ability to command a huddle, it sounds like Sayin could have some of those similar qualities.
With college football becoming more mobile and QB’s more nimble in size with NFL-level arms, who knows what Sayin could potentially develop into.
If his first game as QB1 in the Scarlet and Gray vs. Texas is any early indication, the SoCal transplant could quickly evoke those same sentiments about Kern soon enough, and become the next “Super Sophomore” quarterback to roam the sidelines in Columbus.