Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin was in New York City as a Heisman Finalist, here’s what I learned covering the young star for the weekend.
NEW YORK CITY — Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin spent Heisman Trophy weekend fielding questions about individual success, but his answers consistently pointed toward teammates, mentors, and the culture at Ohio State.
I covered Sayin on the ground in New York as part of the 2025 Heisman Trophy ceremony, and the Buckeyes’ quarterback used the national stage to reinforce trust, preparation, and an elite standard inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.
When asked about true freshman running back Bo Jackson, Sayin didn’t hesitate to spotlight the impact Jackson has made late in the season.
“Bo’s played some great football down the stretch. He’s someone I have a lot of confidence in.”
Sayin also noted Jackson’s explosiveness and playmaking ability, signaling the quarterback’s belief in Ohio State’s young core as the Buckeyes push forward.
Sayin credited former Ohio State quarterback Will Howard as a major influence on his development and how he approaches leadership.
“I learned a lot from [Will Howard] — how to prepare like a leader and treat everyone in the building.”
That preparation, Sayin explained, has translated directly into confidence. His trust in teammates continues to grow, and that trust shows in how he commands the offense and handles pressure moments.
Sayin did not let the bright lights of New York City get to him as he focused on staying composed, showing his high character. When asked what being a Buckeye means to him and why he chose Ohio State, his answer centered on the program’s identity.
“The tradition here at Ohio State, the people in the building, and the culture we have here is strong — it’s really special and hard to find. We have a strong culture. Guys wants to be [here], be around [our] teammates, and play for each other.”
Sayin also pointed to Coach Mick Marotti as the backbone of the program, emphasizing the role the longtime strength coach plays in establishing Ohio State’s physical and mental edge.
Sayin’s presence at the Heisman ceremony reflected why Ohio State is the premier program in college football and highlighted how the Buckeyes continue to develop quarterbacks within a demanding, culture-driven environment.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza agreed with the sentiments on Julian Sayin as he described the Ohio State quarterback as a “total class act.” He said it’s easy to see why Ohio State is so successful with a guy like Sayin leading the team.
As Ohio State turns its attention to the College Football Playoff, the message from New York was clear: Ohio State is excited for whichever matchup it gets in the Cotton Bowl, and the focus is on being at their best to make another title run.
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Blake Biscardi is the Lead Sports Reporter and Senior Editor at The Silver Bulletin, focusing on Ohio State athletics, primarily football, the Big Ten, and the College Football Playoff. He’s the Creator & Host of the Saturday Cadence podcast, and also a member of the FWAA. Biscardi has degrees in Business Administration and Strategic Communication & Leadership.