As the Ohio State Buckeyes gear up for the 2026 college football season, the spotlight is on their talented quarterback, Julian Sayin. With a remarkable season behind him, the question arises: how do opposing teams plan to exploit his weaknesses? Insights from anonymous coaches within the Big Ten provide a glimpse into their strategies.
One defensive coordinator highlighted Sayin's limitations when he is forced out of the pocket. He noted, "He’s not a very big guy, I do like the way he manages the game and throws it. The way they use him, he’s been pretty unwilling to run. He’s a good athlete, but you want to try to get him out where he doesn’t want to be." This assessment suggests that while Sayin possesses the skills to manage the game effectively, his reluctance to run could be a focal point for defenses.
Statistically, Sayin's performance last season supports this analysis. He recorded a total of -44 rushing yards, a figure that includes yardage lost due to 16 sacks. His best rushing performance came against Penn State, where he managed just 13 yards, with a long run of 12 yards against Washington. These numbers indicate that while he is not a dual-threat quarterback, his passing ability is what truly defines his game.
Despite the concerns about his running game, Sayin had an impressive 2025 season, throwing for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns, while only tossing eight interceptions. His efficiency earned him a spot as a Heisman Trophy finalist, showcasing his ability to lead the Buckeyes effectively. However, with so much talent surrounding him, questions linger about his ultimate potential.
Another Big Ten coach remarked, "In the games that we played, there wasn’t much that I saw from [Sayin], other than he just ran the offense very well." This comment emphasizes the perception of Sayin as a game manager rather than a dynamic playmaker, despite his successful first year as a starter, which culminated in a Big Ten title and a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Sayin's completion percentage of 77.0 not only set a new program record at Ohio State but also stands as a Big Ten record and ranks third in FBS history. His ability to throw for over 250 yards in eight games and his impressive yards per attempt, placing him sixth nationally, further illustrate his skill as a passer.
As he enters the 2026 season, Sayin is positioned as a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy and is expected to lead a Buckeyes team that is currently ranked No. 1 in the preseason coaches poll. With the memory of last season's playoff exit still fresh, Sayin and Ohio State are determined to prove themselves on the national stage once again.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see if opposing teams can successfully implement their strategies to counter Sayin's strengths and exploit his weaknesses. Time will reveal whether he can rise to the occasion and solidify his status as one of college football's elite quarterbacks.
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