Eric Boggs
Two games into his Ohio State career, Julian Sayin has already done something few freshman quarterbacks in college football history have ever accomplished: he’s set records, commanded the offense with poise well beyond his years, and positioned himself as the centerpiece of an Ohio State team chasing another national championship. After a solid debut against Texas, Sayin put on a clinic in Week 2 against Grambling State, finishing his day with an almost flawless stat line: 18 completions on 19 attempts for 306 yards and four touchdowns — all in the first half.
What made this performance historic, though, wasn’t just the gaudy numbers. Sayin opened the game with 16 consecutive completions, breaking the Ohio State record for most completions to start a game. The previous record belonged to Will Howard, who completed 13 straight passes in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship win over Notre Dame. Sayin’s streak ended on a red-zone interception late in the second quarter, but by then, he had already etched his name in the Buckeyes’ record books. He fell just one completion shy of tying the overall school record for consecutive completions across any stretch of games, a mark set by Kyle McCord in 2023 with 18 straight.
Beyond the numbers, what stood out was Sayin’s composure and precision. Against Grambling State, he completed passes to eight different receivers, showing a mastery of Ryan Day’s offensive system that even seasoned quarterbacks struggle to achieve. His ability to manipulate safeties with his eyes, throw receivers open, and place the ball with pinpoint accuracy had Ohio State fans buzzing.
The highlight of Sayin’s performance came midway through the first quarter on Ohio State’s second drive. Sayin dropped back and spotted Jeremiah Smith streaking up the left sideline. Sayin delivered a perfectly thrown deep ball that hit Smith in stride for an 87-yard touchdown, the second-longest pass play in Ohio State history. The only play longer was Kenny Guiton’s 90-yard connection to Devin Smith against Cal in 2013.
Sayin’s advanced metrics also paint the picture of an emerging star. On throws of 20-plus yards, he went 3-for-3 for 151 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing elite downfield accuracy. His average depth of target (ADOT) was 14.7 yards — a number typically associated with experienced, aggressive quarterbacks. He posted an astronomical passer efficiency rating of 280.7, making his performance one of the most efficient single-game outings in Ohio State history.
Perhaps even more impressive than the stat sheet is how Sayin has seamlessly transitioned into one of the most demanding jobs in college football. Replacing a starter like Will Howard, who led the Buckeyes to a national championship last season, comes with enormous pressure. But Sayin has handled it like a veteran, earning the trust of his teammates and coaching staff in the process.
Through his first two starts, Sayin has completed 31 of 39 passes for 432 yards, five touchdowns, and just one interception — a staggering 79.5% completion rate. For context, at the same point in their Ohio State careers, C.J. Stroud was completing 65% of his passes and Justin Fields sat at 69%. While it’s still early, Sayin’s efficiency suggests he’s capable of producing at an elite level far sooner than most expected.
With Ohio State now 2-0 and averaging 42 points per game, Sayin has already silenced any early doubts about the Buckeyes’ offense following the opener against Texas. The combination of Sayin’s accuracy, Smith’s explosiveness, and Brian Hartline’s aggressive play calling gives Ohio State a balanced, dangerous attack that will test even the best defenses in the country.
Looking ahead, the schedule gets tougher, but Sayin’s early success has set the stage for a special season. If he continues to develop at this pace, he could not only break more school records but also insert himself into the Heisman Trophy conversation — something very few expected from a true freshman heading into 2025.
For now, Buckeye fans have every reason to be excited. In two short weeks, Julian Sayin has gone from a highly touted recruit to the face of Ohio State’s offense. If Saturday’s historic performance is any indication, this is only the beginning.
