Ohio State football’s Julian Sayin displayed his best trait vs. Wisconsin - and did so in historic fashion

MADISON, Wis. — Plenty of talented quarterbacks have come through the Big Ten since the turn of the century, ranging from C.J. Stroud at Ohio State to Kirk Cousins at Michigan State.

However, no field general has done what Ohio State’s Julian Sayin accomplished Saturday at Wisconsin.

The sophomore completed 36 of his 42 passes (85.7%) for a career-high 394 yards and four touchdowns. He has completed at least 70% of his passes and thrown at least two touchdowns in six consecutive games, making him the first to do so in the conference since 2000.

He was previously tied with Wisconsin’s Russell Wilson (2011) and Purdue’s Aidan O’Connell (2021), who reached that feat in five straight contests.

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Ohio State has been patient in its development of Sayin, limiting how often his full assortment of talent has been on display in his first season as a starter.

Against Grambling State, Ohio and Minnesota — OSU’s three weakest opponents entering Saturday — Sayin threw for 326.3 yards per game. Each of those contests took place at Ohio Stadium.

In tougher environments, coach Ryan Day and his staff have been more conservative. Sayin threw for 166.7 yards per game against Texas, Washington and Illinois.

However, even in games with less-inspiring stat lines, Sayin’s greatest trait was on display: accuracy.

He completed only 65% of his passes against Texas. Since then, Sayin’s 70.4% mark against the Illini was the lowest figure posted.

Paired with Ohio State’s talent at receiver — which was recruited and developed by offensive coordinator Brian Hartline — it’s frightening what the young quarterback can accomplish down the home stretch of the regular season and beyond.

Sayin’s first touchdown was a 33-yard completion to receiver Carnell Tate, who could be the first player at his position taken in the 2026 NFL Draft. The throw came off the hand of a moving Sayin who still put the ball in a spot only Tate could catch it.

Sometimes, that phrase is kept for passes that fall incomplete. At Ohio State, those tosses result in impressive catches.

His second touchdown, a back-shoulder throw, also went to Tate, who isn’t even the best weapon at Sayin’s disposal.

Sophomore Jeremiah Smith, who must play at least one more year of collegiate football, could be the first non-quarterback taken in the 2027 draft. OSU’s prominent rotation also includes receiver Brandon Inniss, a former four-star prospect, and tight ends Max Klare and Will Kacmarek.

Add in what reserve receivers Mylan Graham and Quincy Porter showed in spurts Saturday, and it’s evident why Ohio State’s passing attack is ready to go when called upon.

It helps to have a quarterback who rarely misses his target.

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