Julian Sayin Lands No. 5 Among 138 FBS QBs as Debate Swirls Over Ohio State Starter
Updated
Updated · 247Sports · Jul 21
Julian Sayin Lands No. 5 Among 138 FBS QBs as Debate Swirls Over Ohio State Starter
3 articles · Updated · 247Sports · Jul 21
Summary
The Athletic placed Ohio State's Julian Sayin fifth among 138 projected FBS starting quarterbacks, making him one of eight passers in its top Tier 1.
The ranking reflects a split view of Sayin after his first season as starter: he was described as college football's most accurate quarterback, a Heisman finalist and a CFP leader, but critics still question whether he thrives mainly in Ohio State's system.
Big Ten and ACC evaluators quoted by The Athletic sharply disagreed on his ceiling, with one calling him overrated and another arguing he belongs in the top two or three nationally.
Ohio State's demanding 2026 schedule now gives Sayin a direct chance to validate the ranking, while last year's preseason top five proved shaky and eventual Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza had opened only 17th.