Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin has had a historic 2025 season so far, which brings him to New York City as a Heisman Trophy Finalist.

NEW YORK CITY — Heisman Weekend has a way of amplifying noise. Staying true to his character, Julian Sayin hasn’t chased any of it. Despite a viral moment – not representative of the full context – with just me at Julian Sayin’s desk during the Finalist’s availability, Sayin was locked in on Ohio State’s opportunity in the College Football Playoff and adamantly praising his coaches and teammates. 

Standing in midtown Manhattan ahead of the Heisman Trophy ceremony, Ohio State’s quarterback looked exactly like he has all season. Sayin was composed, prepared, and completely grounded in who he is and what Ohio State represents. His steadiness encapsulates his Heisman case as much as any statistic on the board.

Sayin arrived in New York as one of college football’s four finalists after delivering one of the most efficient quarterback seasons in the country. He threw for 3,323 yards, accounted for 31 touchdowns, and protected the football at an elite level with just six interceptions. He completed 78.4 percent of his passes and finished the regular season with an 89.6 QBR, the second-best mark nationally.

Sayin didn’t build his Heisman resume with flash. He built it with command. Week after week, he operated Ohio State’s offense with precision, trusted his reads, and took what defenses surrendered. He punished mistakes without forcing the issue by staying on schedule and executing on critical downs.

Here in New York, Sayin spoke less about personal achievement and more about responsibility. He highlighted tradition, accountability, and the honor of wearing the Scarlet and Gray. That perspective has defined his season. He operates in a leadership role inside a program that requires excellence every Saturday. At the same time, Sayin has blocked out the personal noise and stayed centered on the team’s goals and success. 

Julian Sayin on learning from Will Howard and his growth as a young quarterback:

🗣️ “I learned a lot from [Will Howard] — how to prepare like a leader and treat everyone in the building.”

Sayin also notes how much he trusts his teammates which increases his confidence. pic.twitter.com/fTUw5e7Div

— Blake T. Biscardi (@BlakeBiscardi) December 13, 2025

His leadership showed up most clearly in moments when things didn’t go perfectly. Ohio State’s loss in the Big Ten Championship Game didn’t derail Sayin’s season or his composure. He owned the result. In critical moments of adversity, a leader’s response matters. Sayin’s response is important as Ohio State pursues becoming the first team to win back-to-back National Championships in school history. Moreover, qualities like that amplify his case to join the fraternity of Heisman Trophy winners. 

Sayin has consistently elevated the players around him, while the players have done the same for him. Having Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate out wide make a quarterback’s life easier, but Sayin’s accuracy and poise are what separate him from “any quarterback can thrive in that system” claims. 

The Heisman Trophy is awarded to the most outstanding player in college football. Julian Sayin’s case is strong because of his methodical approach, extreme accuracy and efficient numbers. He didn’t need to dominate headlines to dominate games. Julian Sayin may not have had a singular Heisman moment because he controlled the narrative as the most efficient and accurate quarterback in the country all season. 

I hear Julian Sayin is keeping receipts pic.twitter.com/J9Pevzjd2G

— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) December 13, 2025

Walking through New York City this weekend, surrounded by college football’s biggest names and brightest lights, one thing is clear: Julian Sayin belongs here. Again, the viral moment will be revisited, I can guarantee it. 

The Heisman conversation often rewards style. Julian Sayin’s season rewarded substance. And from New York, as the spotlight sharpens, his body of work stands on its own. Regardless of the outcome of the voting, Julian Sayin and Ohio State are on a mission in the College Football Playoff. Good luck, College Football.