Is Julian Sayin a Heisman Trophy Contender?

As the 2025 college football season heats up, one of the biggest storylines revolve around sophomore quarterback Julian Sayin. After transferring to Ohio State from Alabama, Sayin has quickly become one of the most talked-about young quarterbacks in the country. With a loaded Buckeye roster, elite-level offensive weapons, and national championship aspirations, the question many football fans from Carlsbad to Columbus are asking is simple — can Julian Sayin actually win the Heisman Trophy this year?

From Alabama to Ohio State: The Rise of Julian Sayin

A five-star recruit from Carlsbad High, where he was considered one of the most polished high school quarterbacks in the country, Sayin enrolled early at Alabama. However, after legendary head coach Nick Saban announced his retirement, Sayin entered the transfer portal and landed at Ohio State in early 2024 — a move that immediately reshaped the Buckeyes’ quarterback situation.

In limited action during the 2024 season, Sayin showed flashes of brilliance for the eventual national champions, completing 5 of 12 passes for 84 yards and a touchdown. That small sample and his training camp performance was enough for Ohio State’s coaching staff to hand him the keys to the offense in 2025. Through the first half of the season, he’s made good on that decision, throwing for over 1,400 yards, 15 touchdowns, and just three interceptions, while maintaining one of the top efficiency ratings in college football.

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

Why Julian Sayin Belongs in the Heisman Conversation

There’s a clear formula for becoming a Heisman Trophy contender: elite production, national exposure, and a compelling narrative. So far, Sayin checks all three boxes.

First, his efficiency has been outstanding. He rarely turns the ball over and consistently makes smart reads, something even seasoned quarterbacks struggle with. His accuracy on deep throws has improved week by week, and his decision-making under pressure has been a major reason why the Buckeyes remain unbeaten.

Second, Sayin benefits from having one of the most talented supporting casts in college football. With elite receivers like Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate stretching defenses, Sayin has no shortage of playmakers. These weapons make him a threat to post massive numbers, and Heisman voters tend to reward quarterbacks who lead high-powered offenses on winning teams.

Third, Ohio State’s national prominence is impossible to ignore. Every Buckeye game is a showcase watched by millions. Sayin’s performances in marquee matchups — particularly against Michigan and Penn State — could make or break his Heisman campaign. A big win in one of those rivalry games would give him the type of “Heisman moment” that voters remember when ballots are cast in December.

Challenges Standing in Sayin’s Way

Despite all the positives, Sayin’s Heisman path isn’t without challenges. The biggest obstacle might come from within his own locker room. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is having a phenomenal year and is also being mentioned in early Heisman talks. When two teammates are competing for the same award, they often split the national spotlight — a scenario that could hurt both players’ chances.

Another concern is experience. Sayin is still early in his college career, and unlike veterans such as Carson Beck or Quinn Ewers, he hasn’t built a long-term narrative yet. Voters sometimes lean toward players with multiple seasons of production or established fame. To overcome that, Sayin will need a few truly standout performances that force the national media to take notice.

Finally, there’s the question of schedule strength. Ohio State’s upcoming slate doesn’t feature any teams who are currently ranked in the top 10. Without several “statement games,” Sayin might struggle to build the kind of momentum necessary for a Heisman campaign. However, a lights-out performance against Michigan in November could erase any doubts instantly.

What It Will Take to Win the Heisman

For Sayin to become a legitimate Heisman Trophy finalist, he’ll need to continue playing mistake-free football while delivering huge performances in high-profile games. Statistically, that means finishing with at least 4,000 passing yards, 40 touchdowns, and keeping his interceptions under five. Narratively, it means creating memorable moments — comeback drives, big plays under pressure, and clutch wins that define Ohio State’s season.

He’ll also need to maintain composure as media attention grows. The Heisman race is as much about perception as performance. If Sayin continues to lead Ohio State to wins while showing maturity beyond his years, he could easily move from dark horse to front-runner status.

The Verdict: A Legitimate Dark Horse

At this point, Sayin should absolutely be considered a dark horse Heisman candidate. His poise, accuracy, and leadership have quickly turned him into one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the nation. Backed by an explosive Buckeye offense and a national championship-caliber team, Sayin has every opportunity to make a serious run at college football’s most prestigious individual award.

If he delivers when the lights are brightest, Sayin might not just be the future of Ohio State football — he could be the next Heisman winner from the San Diego Section.