Full Breakdown
Julian Sayin Leads Pro Football Focus Quarterback Rankings Ahead of 2026
7/7/2026, 3:54:56 PM
Official Statements & Assessment
On July 6 2026, Pro Football Focus analysts Dalton Wasserman and Max Chadwick named Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin the No. 1 quarterback among the 50 best college players entering the 2026 season and the No. 4 overall player. The analysts cited Sayin’s efficiency—particularly his 77.0 % completion rate and a 74.2 % accurate throw-rate, both record-setting for PFF—as the primary basis for the ranking.
Background and Transfer Path
Sayin originally committed to the University of Alabama as the No. 3 quarterback prospect in the 2024 class and signed with the Crimson Tide. After head coach Nick Saban announced his retirement a week later, Sayin entered the transfer portal and moved to Ohio State in late January. He redshirted his first year, backing up transfer Will Howard while the Buckeyes won a national championship.
Key Players and 2025 Statistics
In 2025, Sayin threw for 3,610 yards, 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions, completing 77.0 % of his passes—the third-highest completion percentage in college-football history. His 74.2 % accurate throw-rate set a new PFF single-season record. At 6 ft 1 in and 208 lb, he led an offense that featured wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who posted 87 receptions for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns and ranked No. 1 on the same PFF list. Defensively, Leonard Moore (Notre Dame) and Colin Simmons (Texas) placed ahead of Sayin in the overall rankings.
Criticism & Opposition
The article notes that PFF’s analytical grading system prioritizes efficiency over intangibles such as mobility or leadership, a stance that differs from other national media rankings. Critics argue that this focus may undervalue quarterbacks who excel as runners or in high-pressure situations, potentially leading to divergent top-ten lists.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The redshirt freshman completed 77.0% of his passes, the third-highest completion percentage in college football history, trailing only the 77.4% marks posted by Bo Nix in 2023 and Mac Jones in 2020,” — Dalton Wasserman and Max Chadwick, Pro Football Focus analysts
- “Sayin's 74.2% accurate throw rate also set the PFF College single-season record.” — Dalton Wasserman and Max Chadwick, Pro Football Focus analysts
- “Sayin's efficiency is the reason Pro Football Focus holds him in such high regard.” — Tucker Harlin, journalist, USA TODAY Sports Media Group
What's Next
Returning as the only Heisman finalist, Sayin is slated to start the 2026 season in August. Analysts expect his efficiency-driven skill set to shape Ohio State’s passing attack, while opponents will likely focus on limiting Jeremiah Smith to counter Sayin’s high-accuracy game.
