Every summer, the quarterback whispers roll across Columbus like clockwork, considering how many QBs they change. But is this the year the ‘new guy’ delivers? For months, the talk has circled one thing: Can the Buckeyes’ young signal-caller quiet the doubters and prove he’s more than just a five-star project? As the pressure heats up and anticipation builds, fans are left scouring every training camp clip for signs of magic or concern. On paper, the Buckeyes don’t lack weapons, but everyone knows it’s the arm that drives the car in Columbus, and this fall, the keys are in brand-new hands. The brand new hands are possibly, probably, and hopefully Julian Sayin’s.

So why all this scrutiny? There’s plenty of reason. The national media has been quick to point out Sayin’s resume. Limited college experience, only a handful of dropbacks in live action, and, most notably, those lingering whispers about ‘questionable’ arm strength and size. PFF’s breakdown was blunt: “Unlike some of his predecessors, Sayin doesn’t possess overwhelming arm strength or elite athleticism. Instead, his success will hinge on sharp fundamentals, timing, and accuracy.” With comparisons to recent champion QBs and the shadow of Ohio State’s last Heisman-level arms, the expectations have never been higher. Buckeye Nation demands more than just safe. It wants something special out of QB1.

That’s what made one recent video clip, posted by The Scarlet and Gray Podcast on X, so mesmerizing. As the camera rolls, Julian Sayin drops back near midfield and unleashes a laser, the ball exploding off his hand and soaring deep downfield with pinpoint accuracy. The caption said it all: “Julian Sayin 😳” Suddenly, all the critiques about ‘lacking velocity’ seem to fade into the background. If PFF noted where his supposed weaknesses lie, this play looked like a direct answer to every ‘not enough arm’ hot take out there.

It’s more than just one pretty throw, though. Sayin’s critics have long harped on whether he can stack ‘wow’ moments against elite competition, not just in shorts and a practice jersey. Yet, as the competition rages in camp and the Buckeyes’ media team keeps releasing new looks, the evidence is mounting.

Even insiders at 247Sports have raved about Sayin’s “clean mechanics” and ability to deliver high-level throws under pressure, not just the easy freebies. And this is what changes the conversation. You can teach reads and playbooks, but you can’t fake arm strength or natural touch, two boxes Sayin now appear to check with authority. Although the competition with Lincoln Kienholz is still alive and well, Sayin’s development is hard to ignore.

So, what now for all the skeptics and message board prophets? College football lives for its wild stories, and every fan loves seeing a so-called ‘weakness’ get publicly shredded. Will Sayin’s deep-ball laser be a singular highlight or the first chapter of a Buckeye breakthrough? The only thing we know for sure is that if questions about arm strength were the knock, Julian Sayin’s latest viral dime is the kind of answer that will get an audible gasp from the people penning down his weaknesses. And Ohio State fans, be ready with your new slogan because Julian Sayin will turn into ‘Super Saiyan’ in no time.

The door opens wider for Sayin

While Julian Sayin’s deep-ball showcase is turning heads, the competition for Ohio State’s starting job remains under the microscope, and the news out of camp may tilt things further in Sayin’s favor. As buzz builds around backup Tavien St. Clair, recruiting expert Anand Nanduri offered a telling perspective on X. “Tavien St. Clair has a different level of arm strength than the other QBs, but the game is still too fast for him right now.” This post suggests Sayin’s steady development and comfort with the speed of the college game may be quietly separating him from the pack.

That insight lands as a subtle but significant boost for Sayin’s case to win the starting job. While St. Clair is earning praise for raw arm talent, the transition to Ohio State’s high-octane system is a notoriously steep one for any young quarterback. If the playbook and live bullets are still coming too quickly for his challenger, Sayin’s camp performance looks even more valuable. 

For Buckeye fans watching this battle play out, it’s about who can handle the heat of a playoff-caliber season and deliver under pressure. With analysis like Nanduri’s painting, St. Clair as a talent for the future, the steady, confident progress of Sayin is starting to look like exactly what Ryan Day and his coaches need right now. As Sayin stacks strong camp days and answers his critics one rep at a time, the quarterback job in Columbus is beginning to look more and more like his to lose.