Ohio State QB Julian Sayin's Time To Shine in First Appearance Against Michigan

The last time that the Ohio State Buckeyes beat the Michigan Wolverines was in 2019, when current Buckeyes' quarterback Julian Sayin was just 12 years old and in middle school.

Since that time, there has been one cancellation, one cheating scandal, two beatdowns and one incredible upset. Unfortunately, each of those scenarios going in favor of the Wolverines.

This edition of The Game has the chance to be a turning point in this current era of the rivalry.

Last year's loss seemed to be rock bottom for the Buckeyes' program. That loss in Columbus lead to a player's only meeting that was emotional and a "come to Jesus" moment for the team. However, the Buckeyes would eventually flipped the script and went on a historic run to the National Championship.

They didn't stop there.

With a new quarterback under center, Ohio State picked up right where they left off in 2025. head coach Ryan Day and his squad started the year with a victory over the No. 1 team in the country, the Texas Longhorns ,and have kept their foot on the gas since then.

Now, they enter The Game with one singular mission: just win. At the center of it all is the signal caller for the Buckeyes, Julian Sayin.

Sayin has been elite this year for Ohio State. For most of the year, he carried an 80-plus percent completion percentage and constantly showed the maturity of a four year starter in his first year under center.

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He comes into Saturday's game with a 79 percent completion, throwing 2,832 yards, 27 touchdowns to just four interceptions.

The lone concern for Sayin is if his two star wide receivers are on the shelf for Saturday's game. When Carnell Tate was unavailable against Purdue, he made it work with Jeremiah Smith as the two connected 10 times for 137 yards and a score.

This was not the case last week against Rutgers, as Sayin showed a clear discomfort. But when the young playmaker settled in, he was able to move the Buckeyes up and down the field.

On Saturday, the goal is very simple, just win. It doesn't matter how they do it, if they throw it or if they run it, they just need to win the football game.

The way to get the job done starts with Sayin. If the redshirt freshman can be composed in his first rivalry game start, not turn the ball over, and find a way to get the job done he will be a legend in Columbus for forever.