So, Julian Sayin is the guy for Ohio State in 2025? That’s the general belief right now. But suspense still hangs thick. One thing’s clear though — it’s gone down to a two-man race between Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz, with Tavien St. Clair fading out of the picture for now. But head coach Ryan Day continues to drop bread crumbs seasoned with ambiguity — “I feel like Lincoln was ahead of Julian going into the spring game, and I thought Julian had a better spring game than Lincoln. So, it’s back and forth.” So yeah, still no clear-cut QB1. But that didn’t stop a Buckeyes insider from giving his take on the Bama product. 

“Is Julian Sayin good enough to lead Ohio State back to the national championship?” Definitely something to ponder over. On May 6, CBS Sports College Football posted an Instagram video of Dave Biddle dropping his verdict on Julian Sayin via Cover 3 Podcast. “He’s got a very quick release. He’s got a special quick release. He’s very accurate with the ball,” he said, pointing out his upsides. “He doesn’t have a cannon but he has a strong enough arm. I think he’s probably got a stronger arm than Will Howard.” Leadership-wise? Still skeptical. So, no crowning glory yet. 

Despite his football talent and his belief that he’d do well at Ohio State, Biddle has a big question for Julian Sayin. And that is – “When?”

“When is Julian Sayin going to be good?” he questioned. “Is he going to be good right at Texas? I think that’s a lot to ask.” Let’s not overlook that season opener against Steve Sarkisian’s team. With Arch Manning’s official era beginning, the Longhorns will be seeking the first blood. So it’s not exactly a soft landing. 

You see, Julian Sayin wasn’t exactly flawless this spring. He missed a surefire TD to WR Mylan Graham in the spring game. Still, he was able to bounce back by completing 17 of 24 passes for 175 yards and a TD. His competitor? Kienholz wasn’t far behind — completed 12 of 18 passes for 158 yards and two scores. “I think it’s going to be the middle of the season, end of the season, it’s going to be next season before he becomes a good quarterback,” Biddle added. “I don’t know. I’m convinced he’s going to be a good starting quarterback at Ohio State. My question is how early?” Julian is the future and everybody knows it. But is he ready now? Well, Ryan Day’s not sleeping on the situation. 

Ryan Day targets a running weapon for Julian Sayin

While Julian Sayin’s future and development are in the headlines, there’s a local 2026 running weapon to keep an eye on — Favour Akih. This kid could be the safety valve the Buckeyes’ QB1 needs. Out of Hayes HS, Delaware (OH), Akih’s been on campus multiple times this spring. Coach Day is pushing hard, and right now, the Buckeyes lead the race with a 91.3% prediction on On3. 

Favour Akih has that blend of size, vision, and power that makes it easier for a quarterback. A true tone-setter out of the backfield. Perhaps, the next Buckeyes’ TreVeyon Henderson? With other schools like Miami and USC in the mix, his recruitment isn’t a cakewalk, but the hometown pull is real. But we’ll only know for real when he announces his commitment by the end of May or early June. 

If OSU lands him, that’s a big-time weapon for Julian Sayin or whoever wins the job to lean on.