As Ohio State gears up for the 2025 college football season, one question looms large: Can the Buckeyes capture a national championship with so many new faces? Despite boasting the final quarterback signed by legendary Alabama coach Nick Saban, their title hopes rest on shaky ground.
How Will Julian Sayin Handle the Pressure at Ohio State?
Julian Sayin, a redshirt freshman who initially committed to Alabama under Saban, transferred to Ohio State following Saban’s retirement. Now, the talented quarterback is expected to win the starting job under Ryan Day, beating out Kansas State transfer Will Howard.
While Sayin ranks among the most talented quarterbacks in college football, analysts caution that even his elite skills may not overcome the glaring roster inexperience surrounding him.
During a Big Ten Media Days preview, college football analyst Brad Crawford laid it out bluntly:
“They certainly have a talented player in Julian…but that’s about it.”
While Sayin will benefit from throwing to superstar receiver Jeremiah Smith, widely regarded as the top wideout in college football, the Buckeyes face wholesale changes on both sides of the ball.
On offense, Ohio State will start multiple new players along the offensive line and in the backfield. On defense, four starters up front have departed, leaving safety Caleb Downs, projected to be the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Year, as the only returning veteran with significant snaps.
The situation creates a stark contrast to teams like Penn State, which returns a core of experienced talent including quarterback Drew Allar, running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen and standout defenders like Dani Dennis-Sutton. The Nittany Lions haven’t beaten Ohio State since 2016, but this could be their best chance in nearly a decade.
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Why Are the Buckeyes Projected Second in the Big Ten?
Ohio State is projected to finish second in the Big Ten behind Penn State, according to a preseason poll of college football media members. The Buckeyes may have the most talented individual players in the conference. Downs and Smith are both favorites to win Big Ten Player of the Year honors, but experience and cohesion could be lacking early in the season.
Adding to these concerns, the season opener against Texas offers no grace period. The preseason SEC favorite will test Ohio State immediately, and with a roster of new starters and a first-year quarterback taking snaps, the road to repeating as national champions appears steep.
Can Saban’s Final Recruit Overcome Ohio State’s Roster Uncertainty?
Sayin arrives in Columbus carrying the pedigree of being Saban’s final quarterback signee, a symbolic passing of the torch from college football’s most successful recent coach. However, as analyst Crawford noted, the situation surrounding him presents significant challenges.
Even the most gifted quarterback needs protection, a reliable run game, and a steady defense. Right now, Ohio State has more questions than answers in those critical areas.
