Full Breakdown
Julian Sayin Ranked No. 5 in 2026 College Quarterback Survey
7/23/2026, 4:10:01 AM
Core Event
The Athletic’s 2026 quarterback survey placed Ohio State junior Julian Sayin at No. 5 among the 138 projected FBS starters. The ranking, compiled from roughly three dozen coaches, general managers, personnel directors, scouts and other front-office staffers, positioned Sayin in “Tier 1” – the group described as “the best of the best” with elite traits and Heisman-trophy potential. He trails only Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss), Dante Moore (Oregon), C.J. Carr (Notre Dame) and Darian Mensah (Miami).
Background & Context
Sayin’s first season as Ohio State’s starter produced 3,610 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, eight interceptions and a 77.0 % completion rate – the highest single-season mark in school history, a Big Ten record and the third-highest in FBS history. He was a Heisman Trophy finalist and guided the Buckeyes to a 12-0 regular season, including a 27-9 victory over Michigan. Postseason play, however, ended with interceptions and sacks in losses to Indiana and Miami, prompting debate over his “game-manager” label.
Data & Statistics
- Completion percentage: 77.0 % (Ohio State record, Big Ten record)
- Passing yards: 3,610 (first-year starter)
- Touchdowns: 32
- Interceptions: 8
- Passer rating: 177.46 (second nationally)
- Rankings: No. 5 overall; one of eight quarterbacks in Tier 1
Official Statements & Responses
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day praised the hiring of former NFL head coach Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator, noting Smith’s “NFL experience” will benefit the offense.
Verbatim Quotes
- “That's something we needed to get done,” — Julian Sayin, Ohio State quarterback
- “We want to put another one of those banners up. The standard at Ohio State is to win every game. We've seen what the players that came before us have done, and it's our responsibility to uphold that standard,” — Julian Sayin, Ohio State quarterback
Coaching Changes and Offensive Outlook
Offseason turnover reshaped the Buckeyes’ offensive staff. Former offensive coordinator Brian Hartline departed for South Florida; Arthur Smith (formerly Atlanta Falcons head coach and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator) assumed the coordinator role. Receivers coach Cortez Hankton arrived from LSU, while quarterbacks coach Billy Fessler remained.
What's Next
Ohio State opens the 2026 season against Ball State on September 5. The schedule, described as the program’s toughest in recent memory, will test Sayin’s ability to translate his statistical success into postseason victories and address the criticisms raised by scouts and front-office personnel.
