It’s officially the summer cycle. That means preseason projection lists are dropping, arguments are escalating, and the internet is collectively losing its mind. But the latest list about the top 10 returning players has stirred the college football world. The catalyst? Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin.
College Football World Reacts to Julian Sayin’s Top 10 Snub
Despite boasting a $2.4 million NIL valuation and coming off a historic freshman campaign, the Buckeyes’ signal-caller was shockingly excluded from On3 analyst Ari Wasserman’s top 10. To make matters worse for the Columbus faithful, Texas quarterback Arch Manning, who piloted a three-loss Longhorns squad, comfortably secured the No. 7 spot.
The uproar on social media was immediate. The Buckeye Nut’s X handle wrote, “I know Julian didn’t play up to his standard the last two games – and he knows that better than anyone – but let’s not forget he was still a Heisman finalist.”
I know Julian didn’t play up to his standard the last two games — and he knows that better than anyone — but let’s not forget he was still a Heisman finalist. https://t.co/HrkPBpZ3oh
— The Buckeye Nut (@TheBuckeyeNut) May 17, 2026
Zona Buckeye’s X handle said, “Julian Sayin literally finished 4th in the Heisman race last year. @AriWasserman🤦♂️”
Similarly, Blain Crain jumped in and made a case for Trinidad Chambliss: “Sorry, I just got out of a wedding this weekend….where is Trinidad Chambliss?”
Sorry, I just got out of a wedding this weekend….where is Trinidad Chambliss? https://t.co/xSNRP0xI7M
— Blain Crain (@Blain_Crain) May 17, 2026
The rankings also placed Dante Moore in the eighth slot. He was the only other QB on the list besides Manning. Jeremiah Smith topped the list, and Notre Dame’s CB Leonard Moore was second in the rankings.
Sayin concluded his spectacular 14-game campaign, completing 301 of 391 passes for 3,610 yards, 32 touchdowns, and just 8 interceptions. His jaw-dropping 77.0% completion percentage didn’t just lead the entire nation; it set a new Big Ten record and marked the third-highest single-season completion rate in FBS history, trailing only Bo Nix (2023) and Mac Jones (2020).
By leading the Buckeyes to an unblemished 12-0 regular season and earning a trip to New York as a Heisman finalist, Sayin established himself as the premier returning pure passer in the country. To see him unranked has left many scratching their heads.
While the national media might be suffering from collective amnesia, Ohio State is busy preparing for a monumental 2026 season defined by massive structural changes.
The biggest offseason development sits in the coaching booth. Head coach Ryan Day pulled off a major coup by hiring former NFL head coach Arthur Smith to reshape the Buckeyes’ offense. Smith brings a heavy, physical, pro-style philosophy designed to alleviate pressure on the passing game.
Currently, PFSN’s CFB Playoff Meter gives the Buckeyes a 68% chance to make the College Football Playoff.
