Before the start of this season, one of the biggest questions surrounding OSU was QB Julian Sayin. But through seven games, Sayin has been a reason why OSU sits atop the AP Poll. He has connected with different WRs to make 15 TDs so far this season. And then on Saturday, the QB put on a show against Wisconsin, leading the Buckeyes to a 34-0 victory. Now, if he hadn’t yet made his case as a Heisman contender, this performance definitely puts him in the conversation. That’s why OSU WR Carnell Tate publicly backed him for the award.

Although OSU’s running game contributed just 97 yards. But it hardly mattered. Because Sayin’s squad dominated through air. And Sayin himself made a career-high performance, throwing 4 TDs while completing 36 of 42 passes for 395 yards. Due to this stunning performance, Tate said of Sayin, “He’s the truth. He’s a Heisman winner. There’s no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Every single week, he proves he’s a Heisman winner.” Although Tate was not far behind, he also made a huge impact in that game.

While WR Jeremiah Smith often grabs the spotlight when opposing defenses game-plan for OSU, this time it was Carnell Tate who stole the show. The wideout hauled in 6 passes for 111 yards, including two of Sayin’s four TD throws. And now, Tate’s endorsement of Sayin seems to boost the QB’s Heisman odds over Smith. According to FanDuel, Sayin has the 3rd-best odds of winning the award. But this dominant win over Wisconsin may have pushed him even higher, while Smith sits at +1400, as per USA Today. Although Smith didn’t waste his chance to make his impact.

In Saturday’s showdown, Smith made 97 yards on a team-high 13 catches. And the Buckeyes went all-in on the passing game, with Sayin delivering his standout moment: a perfectly placed 33-yard TD to Tate. Now the sophomore continues to grow with his 1479 total yards and three interceptions so far this season. As Julian Sayin rises to stardom, he hasn’t held back in praising his teammates for their role in his success.

Julian Sayin’s take after the win

Heading into Camp Randall Stadium is a challenge for any team. Yet the Buckeyes made it look easy in Saturday’s rout. Although Julian Sayin had a career-best day. But he made sure to credit his teammates. “It’s awesome to have talent around you like that,” said Sayin to CBS Sports’ Jenny Dell.

Following that win, the sophomore QB and his supporting weapons helped OSU improve to 7-0 and hold onto its AP No. 1 ranking. And looking ahead, the Buckeyes host PSU next week. Although PSU (3-4) has struggled recently. But any B1G matchup is a test.

Still, Sayin remains confident in his weapons. “We’ve got two guys who, when it’s one-on-one and you’re looking both sides, I have full confidence that both these guys are going to go score a touchdown for us,” he said. But only time will tell the actual result: will they beat Penn State?