Choosing your college is a grueling decision for every player. It doesn’t matter if you are a 2-star player or a blue-chip prospect like Julian Sayin and Arch Manning. Ohio State’s QB1 walked us through his process of solving the recruitment equation during his feature on the latest episode of Downs2business.

While explaining his entire process of selecting schools, Sayin discussed the programs he was considering. “I was looking at LSU. I don’t know if I really would have fit in at LSU. It’s kind of a thing that I was looking at down there. Like I liked the coaches there, and I like Sloan. And Sloan actually just got let go today, but I liked him, and you know they had a good staff. But I was looking there and then, Texas also. Before Arch Manning committed there, I was looking at Texas.”

As it is clear, he had Texas in his shortlist along with Miami and LSU. Arch Manning’s recruitment saga could be a movie someday. He had the likes of Georgia and Alabama recruiting him heavily. Even Lane Kiffin almost had him, but ultimately, Arch committed to Steve Sarkisian’s Longhorns.

Sayin ended up with Nick Saban at Alabama, and that could have been a story in itself but Saban decided to hang his boots in January 2024. Just like Caleb Downs, Julian Sayin packed his bags and transferred to Columbus. In hindsight, you can’t fault that decision, given how Ryan Day has allowed him the time to grow in the backup role before making him the leader of the offense this season.

Interestingly enough, Julian’s life as a starter in college football began with Arch Manning leading the opposing offense. In Week 1, Texas traveled to Columbus to take on the defending champions. The Buckeyes won 14-7. While Arch struggled throughout the game, Sayin had his moments in Brian Hartline’s offense. A sign of what was to follow.

Coach Day highlighted Sayin’s progress during Ohio State’s bye week. “I think each week he’s grown more and more, he’s built confidence, and I think his teammates believe in him now. He probably had his best game to date at Wisconsin. So now he’s got to grow from that and continue to build.”

Sayin’s performances have put him in genuine Heisman Trophy conversations. He is having a breakout campaign in 2025 with the Buckeyes. So far, he has thrown for 1872 yards, 19 TDs, and just 3 interceptions. He also has an impressive completion rate of 80%. 

Ohio State’s historic 7-0 Run

The Ohio State Buckeyes’ historic 2025 unbeaten campaign is underpinned by an opportunistic offense and an impenetrable defense. Defense that’s allowing just 5.9 points and 216.9 yards per contest, ranking among the best in the nation. Through seven games, the Buckeyes rank No. 1 in both the AP Top 25 and USA TODAY Coaches Poll.

The offensive pool surrounding Sayin makes his life so much easier. Jeremiah Smith leads the WRs at 602 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns. Carnell Tate complements Smith with 587 receiving yards and 6 TDs. In the back, Bo Jackson has rushed for 433 yards on 68 carries. Partnering with Jackson, running back CJ Donaldson adds another dimension with 249 yards and 6 touchdowns. The Buckeyes average 36.4 points per game, accumulating 431.4 yards of total offense per outing. They convert more than half of their third-down and fourth-down situations, demonstrating unmatched offensive efficiency

The defensive infrastructure under defensive coordinator Matt Patricia has been stonewalling anyone going against them. Arvell Reese leads the unit with 42 tackles while generating constant pressure with 6 sacks, and safety Caleb Downs anchors the secondary with his leadership and command of the defense. Linebacker Sonny Styles has added 40 tackles, while Caden Curry notched 10 sacks to lead the pass rush. The Buckeyes’ ability to force turnovers and hold opponents to single-digit scoring outputs has been vital in their run for a repeat championship this season.

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