The 2025 college football season is off to a thrilling start, and Ohio State’s sophomore quarterback, Julian Sayin, has quickly become a focal point of discussion. After a conservative but effective debut in a 14-7 win over No. 1 Texas in Week 1, Sayin unleashed his full potential in Week 2, leading the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes to a 70-0 rout of Grambling State. His near-flawless performance has reignited the question: does Julian Sayin deserve to be in the Heisman Trophy conversation? Let’s break down his Week 2 showing and what it means for his Heisman candidacy.
The Context: Sayin’s Rising Star
Entering the 2025 season, Julian Sayin was already on Heisman watchlists as a former five-star recruit with elite accuracy, poise, and football IQ. His Week 1 performance against Texas—9 of 14 for 126 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions—showed he could manage a high-pressure game, but the conservative game plan limited his statistical output. Posts on X praised his composure, with one user noting, “No Buckeye QB has ever had to debut like that and the kid was a stone cold killer”. However, his Heisman odds slipped from +1800 to +2500 due to the lack of explosive stats.
Week 2 against Grambling State, an FCS opponent, offered Sayin a chance to showcase his arm talent and build chemistry with Ohio State’s loaded receiving corps. The result was a performance that shattered records and turned heads, thrusting him back into the Heisman spotlight.
Saturday’s Performance: A Record-Breaking Display
Against Grambling State on September 6, 2025, Sayin delivered a masterclass, completing 18 of 19 passes (94.7%) for 306 yards and four touchdowns in just the first half. His lone incompletion was an interception in the red zone, a minor blemish on an otherwise dominant day. According to multiple sources, including Eleven Warriors and The Athletic, Sayin set an Ohio State record for consecutive completions to start a game with 16, surpassing Will Howard’s mark of 13. His performance included:
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Big Plays: Five completions of at least 40 yards, including a 47-yard touchdown to tight end Will Kacmarek and an 87-yard touchdown to Jeremiah Smith, the second-longest pass play in Ohio State history.
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Versatility: Sayin showcased a variety of throws—RPOs, deep posts, slants, and quick passes—demonstrating his command of Brian Hartline’s offense.
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Efficiency: He connected with eight different receivers, including two touchdowns to Jeremiah Smith (5 catches, 119 yards) and one each to Carnell Tate and Will Kacmarek.
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Decision-Making: Sayin scrambled for 3 yards rather than forcing a throw into coverage, earning praise from coach Ryan Day for his poise.
Ohio State’s 70-0 victory was a team effort, with the defense forcing three turnovers and holding Grambling to 166 yards. However, Sayin’s first-half dominance ensured the game was over by halftime, allowing backups like Lincoln Kienholz and Tavien St. Clair to see action.
The Case for Sayin in the Heisman Conversation
Sayin’s Week 2 performance strengthens his Heisman case significantly:
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Elite Statistical Output: A 306-yard, four-touchdown performance in a single half is the kind of stat line Heisman voters love. His 94.7% completion rate and record-breaking 16 consecutive completions demonstrate the accuracy and timing that made him the 2023 Elite 11 MVP. As cleveland.com noted, Sayin “showed off every reason why Ryan Day picked him as Ohio State’s next starting quarterback”.
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Team Success: The Heisman often rewards quarterbacks on dominant teams. Ohio State’s 2-0 start, including a win over No. 1 Texas and a 70-0 blowout, positions Sayin as the leader of a national championship contender. CBS Sports highlighted that Sayin’s supporting cast—Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, and running backs like Bo Jackson—gives him the tools to post big numbers all season.
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Highlight-Reel Plays: The 87-yard touchdown to Jeremiah Smith, described as a “wide-open” sprint to the end zone, is the type of play that lingers in voters’ minds. Smith, a Heisman contender himself at +1500, and Sayin could elevate each other’s profiles with more such moments.
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Growth Trajectory: Sayin’s leap from a conservative 126-yard outing against Texas to a 306-yard explosion against Grambling shows he can handle an expanded playbook. Coach Ryan Day’s comments about “pushing the envelope” suggest more opportunities for Sayin to shine. With games against Ohio University and a tough Big Ten slate ahead, Sayin has chances to build his resume.
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Historical Precedent: Heisman winners like Joe Burrow (2019) and Jayden Daniels (2023) used blowout games against weaker opponents to pad stats and build momentum. Sayin’s Grambling performance mirrors this, and his youth (sophomore, four years of eligibility) adds to his appeal as a rising star.
The Case Against Sayin’s Heisman Candidacy
Despite the gaudy numbers, there are reasons to temper expectations:
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Level of Competition: Grambling State, an FCS team, was vastly overmatched, receiving $1 million to play the game. Critics may argue that Sayin’s stats were inflated against a weaker opponent, especially since Grambling allowed 651 total yards and three turnovers. Heisman voters often prioritize performances against top-tier teams, and Sayin’s Texas game (126 yards, no TDs) remains his only data point against elite competition.
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One-Game Sample: While Week 2 was spectacular, Sayin’s Heisman case relies heavily on a single game. Other quarterbacks, like LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier (+700, 230 yards, game-winning TD vs. Clemson) or Oklahoma’s John Mateer (+1300, 392 yards, four TDs vs. an FCS foe), have stronger or more consistent early-season resumes.
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Team-First Approach: Ohio State’s game plan against Texas prioritized defense and ball control, and even in the Grambling blowout, Sayin didn’t play the second half. If coach Ryan Day continues to lean on the run game or defense in big games, Sayin’s stat lines may not match those of pass-heavy quarterbacks like Cade Klubnik (+1600) or Carson Beck (+1200).
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Jeremiah Smith’s Influence: Smith’s 119 yards and two touchdowns against Grambling highlight his role as Ohio State’s offensive centerpiece. If Smith continues to steal the spotlight, he could outshine Sayin in the Heisman race, especially since non-quarterbacks occasionally win (e.g., DeVonta Smith in 2020).
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The Interception: Sayin’s lone blemish—a red-zone interception to Grambling’s Tyrell Raby—shows there’s still room for growth. While Day called it a “learning moment,” Heisman voters may scrutinize such mistakes in bigger games.
What’s Next for Sayin?
Sayin’s Week 2 performance has boosted his Heisman odds, with some projections moving him closer to the top 10. The upcoming game against Ohio University offers another chance to post big numbers, as syracuse.com predicts a 58-3 blowout. However, the true tests come later against Penn State (Nov. 1) and Michigan. These high-profile games will determine whether Sayin can sustain his momentum and compete with quarterbacks like Nussmeier, Sellers (+700), or Beck.
To solidify his Heisman case, Sayin needs:
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Consistent Explosive Performances: More 300-yard, multi-touchdown games, especially against FBS opponents.
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Signature Moments: A game-winning drive or a standout performance in a rivalry game could define his campaign.
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Team Dominance: Leading Ohio State to an undefeated season or a Big Ten title would amplify his narrative, as Heisman voters favor winners.
The Verdict
Julian Sayin’s Week 2 performance against Grambling State was a Heisman-caliber showing, with 306 yards, four touchdowns, and a school-record 16 consecutive completions. While the competition level tempers the hype, his efficiency, big-play ability, and leadership in a 70-0 rout make a compelling case for his inclusion in the Heisman conversation. Combined with his poise in the Texas win, Sayin is proving he can handle both high-pressure and high-opportunity games. However, he’ll need to stack more performances like this—especially against stronger opponents—to climb into the top tier of contenders.
For now, Sayin is firmly in the Heisman discussion, and his trajectory suggests he could be a finalist if Ohio State’s offense continues to roll. Keep an eye on this sophomore sensation as the Buckeyes chase another national title.
