Julian Sayin: Ohio State’s Rising Star QB Facing Arch Manning

Julian Sayin, a highly-touted quarterback prospect, has landed at the center of one of college football’s most anticipated matchups. After Alabama’s legendary coach Nick Saban made a surprising retirement announcement, Sayin decided to transfer to Ohio State.

Now, as the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback, Sayin will face off against Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns in a thrilling season opener. This blog post takes a look at Sayin’s journey, his development as a quarterback, and the weight of this upcoming game.

Julian Sayin’s Early Beginnings

Julian Sayin’s path to Ohio State’s starting quarterback spot really started with his early dedication and unusual upbringing. Growing up in Carlsbad, California, Sayin showed a knack for football from a young age.

His dad, Dan Sayin, noticed his potential and encouraged him to join various 7-on-7 leagues around Los Angeles. That early exposure to competitive football helped Sayin sharpen his skills and make connections with coaches and players.

Training at Winners Circle

One big turning point came when Sayin chose to attend Winners Circle, a specialized middle school in Corona, California. This training center doubled as a wellness campus, where students had classes in the morning and sports in the afternoon and evening.

The commute was long, but Sayin stuck with it. His family’s support and his own drive laid the groundwork for his future.

High School Stardom

At Carlsbad High School, Sayin continued to build his reputation as a top quarterback prospect. His high school coach, Thadd MacNeal, helped him develop his football IQ and arm strength.

By his junior year, Division I programs were already keeping tabs on him. He stood out for his ability to read coverages and make quick decisions on the field.

Impressive Statistics

Sayin’s junior and senior years were nothing short of impressive. As a junior, he completed 66 percent of his passes for 2,708 yards, 27 touchdowns, and only four interceptions.

His senior year was even better: a 75 percent completion rate, 2,369 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just one interception in 212 attempts. Those numbers speak for themselves—consistency and accuracy made him a top recruit.

The Alabama Commitment

In November 2022, Sayin verbally committed to Alabama, drawn by the chance to play for Nick Saban. Other programs, including Ohio State, tried to get him to flip his commitment, but Sayin stuck with the Crimson Tide and signed in December 2023.

Things changed fast when Saban announced his retirement in January 2024.

Entering the Transfer Portal

With Saban gone, Sayin decided to look at his options. He wanted a program that would push him and help him grow, so he entered the transfer portal.

Ohio State stood out with its tradition and competitive atmosphere. Coach Ryan Day’s honest approach and focus on competition resonated with Sayin and his family.

Ohio State: A New Beginning

Sayin’s move to Ohio State was all about his drive to compete and succeed. Even with other talented quarterbacks around, Sayin’s work ethic and talent made him stand out pretty quickly.

He saw limited action as a freshman, just four games, but showed plenty of promise. When other quarterbacks left, the door opened for Sayin to grab the starting job.

Winning the Starting Job

After a tough competition, Sayin won the starting quarterback spot for the 2025 season. He broke the news to his mom, Karen Brandenburg, in a quick but excited call: *I’ll be named the starter after practice.*

That moment was the payoff for years of effort and set the stage for his debut against Texas.

The Anticipated Showdown: Ohio State vs. Texas

The Ohio State vs. Texas matchup has everyone buzzing. It’s a rematch of last season’s Playoff semifinal at the Cotton Bowl, with two of the most hyped quarterbacks in the country: Arch Manning and Julian Sayin.