With the spotlight firmly on Ohio State’s quarterback room, true sophomore Julian Sayin has earned the starting job, and NFL legend Cam Newton recently broke down the four key elements Sayin must master to thrive under the intense pressure of being the Buckeyes’ signal-caller.
The Four Steps for Julian Sayin: Coaching, Teammates, Self-Confidence, and Fans
Winning the starting role is just the beginning. As Newton explained, “Just because you’re named and labeled the starter for week one does not mean that you’re going to be the year’s starting quarterback. You’re still on a short leash.”
With fans, media, and opponents watching every snap, Sayin must quickly learn how to manage expectations while elevating his performance.
1. Gain the Coaching Staff’s Confidence
Newton emphasized that the first critical step for Sayin is earning the trust of his coaches. “You have to gain the confidence of the coaching staff… getting the coach’s confidence allows them to trust in you by getting the team in the right situation,” Newton said. At a program like Ohio State, mistakes are magnified, and earning the coaches’ trust ensures Sayin will receive opportunities and guidance, even when adversity hits.
2. Earn Teammates’ Trust
Equally important is securing the confidence of teammates, from receivers to offensive linemen.
Julian Sayin was announced as @OhioStateFB‘s starter for their 2025 season opener 🌰
How will he stack up to past season-opening QBs for the Buckeyes? pic.twitter.com/Fj2zi858dy
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) August 18, 2025
Newton highlighted the importance of team chemistry, noting, “There is no greater feeling as an athlete or quarterback than to know that people on the team feel a sense of honor that you’re their quarterback… ‘Man, we got Julian, man. We good.’” A quarterback who inspires trust in the locker room can rally his team even during tough stretches of a game.
3. Maintain Confidence in Yourself
Newton stressed that self-confidence is the third pillar for success. “Your confidence gonna be shaken whether in a hostile environment or just by having a tough game… My dad would always say, ‘Son, is this a roadblock or a speed bump?’”
For Sayin, setbacks are inevitable, but learning to treat challenges as manageable speed bumps rather than full stops will be essential in handling Ohio State’s high-pressure environment.
4. Win Over the Fans
Finally, Newton noted that fan support naturally follows when a quarterback masters the first three keys. “If you got the coach’s confidence, if you got the players’ confidence, and if you got confidence in yourself, the fans will follow,” he explained.
QB1 🌰
📸 @ juliansayin on Instagram. pic.twitter.com/gritNWIy2P
— The Scarlet and Gray Podcast (@TheSG_Podcast) August 20, 2025
For a program with a passionate following like Ohio State, earning fan trust can help reduce external pressures and boost a young quarterback’s performance.
Ohio State and Sayin Overview
Sayin, who transferred to Ohio State in January 2024 after initially signing with Alabama, is widely regarded as one of the nation’s top dual-threat quarterbacks. In 2024, he played in four games, totaling 27 offensive snaps and completing 5-of-12 passes for 84 yards and one touchdown, a 55-yard strike to tight end Bennett Christian against Western Michigan.
KEEP READING: Insider Reveals Julian Sayin’s BTS Reaction to Being Named QB1 at Ohio State
A five-star recruit and ESPN’s top-ranked dual-threat quarterback in the West Region, Sayin brings both elite talent and a high football IQ to Columbus. He also earned OSU Scholar-Athlete honors and a major in the sport industry.
With the season approaching, Sayin’s ability to gain the trust of coaches, teammates, and himself while navigating the spotlight and fan expectations will determine his success in his first year as Ohio State’s starting quarterback.
Following Newton’s blueprint could give the young QB the tools to handle one of college football’s toughest positions.
