Julian Sayin has answered Ohio State Buckeyes’ biggest question in spectacular fashion. The former Alabama transfer now leads the Heisman Trophy race after dominating Penn State with four touchdowns and over 300 passing yards.
Joel Klatt believes Sayin has separated himself from the pack. “Julian Sayin is an incredible player,” Klatt said recently. “Everything that he does, it’s controlled, accurate. He does it with urgency.”
The analyst praised Sayin’s intelligence and decision-making abilities. “He’s very smart. His eyes are always in the right spot,” Klatt explained. “When you’re watching him on film, the ball is always in the right spot.”
Opposing coaches can’t stop talking about Sayin’s processing speed. Klatt referenced conversations with defensive coordinators who marvel at the quarterback’s abilities. “When I talk with opposing defensive coordinators, they all marvel at his quick release,” he said.
Penn State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles specifically highlighted Sayin’s mental quickness. Klatt noted that Knowles “talked about how quickly he processes and how fast his release is. They say he might even process information quicker than he releases the football.”
Julian Sayin had a perfect game vs. Penn State pic.twitter.com/EqTukXhakI
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) November 2, 2025
Those traits have pushed Sayin to the top of Heisman conversations. “All of those things are incredible, which starts to lead us to this Heisman discussion, because Julian Sayin right now is your betting favorite to win the Heisman,” Klatt stated.
The numbers support the hype surrounding Sayin’s breakout season. He’s thrown 23 touchdowns against just three interceptions while averaging 274 passing yards per game. The sophomore completes an eye-popping 80 percent of his passes.
Ohio State’s offense scores 36.6 points per game under Sayin’s leadership. The Buckeyes prefer to control the tempo with long possessions, which sometimes limits their statistical output. Those strategic choices haven’t hurt his Heisman case.
Receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate Are Elevating Julian Sayin’s Game This Season
Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate give Sayin weapons that make any quarterback dangerous. Both receivers have surpassed 700 yards this season, creating matchup nightmares for opposing secondaries.
Ryan Day replaced 14 players and two coordinators from last year’s national championship team. Replacing Will Howard at quarterback looked like the toughest challenge facing the Buckeyes entering this season.
Sayin has exceeded every expectation as a first-year starter. His steady improvement throughout the season shows maturity beyond his sophomore status. The former five-star recruit transferred from Alabama ready to contribute immediately.
Ohio State hasn’t produced a Heisman winner since Troy Smith in 2006. Sayin holds a slight edge over Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza coming out of Week 10.
The Big Ten Championship could decide the Heisman race. Ohio State and Indiana appear headed for a collision course in that game. The winner might produce college football’s most prestigious individual award winner.
Sayin should feel confident about his chances if Ohio State continues to win. Personal accolades follow team success in college football. The Buckeyes control their destiny in both the conference race and the Heisman discussion.
His quick release and processing speed separate him from other candidates. Those traits don’t show up in box scores but make everything else possible. Defensive coordinators game-plan specifically around his abilities without finding answers.
