Urban Meyer Offers Initial Thoughts on Julian Sayin, the quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes

The Ohio State Buckeyes have long been one of the most successful and prestigious programs in college football, with a rich history of producing elite talent, particularly at the quarterback position. With a coaching pedigree that has seen him guide some of the game’s best quarterbacks to NFL stardom, Urban Meyer, one of the most successful coaches in Ohio State’s history, has an invaluable perspective on the future of the Buckeyes at the position. As we look ahead to the 2025 season and beyond, all eyes are on Julian Sayin, a rising star at quarterback for Ohio State.

Sayin, a top-tier recruit from the Class of 2024, has garnered significant attention due to his potential to be the next elite quarterback to lead Ohio State back to the College Football Playoff and potentially a national championship. With his blend of arm strength, mobility, and football IQ, Sayin has quickly become one of the most talked-about young quarterbacks in college football. As the Buckeyes look to maintain their dominance in the Big Ten and beyond, the development of Sayin will be critical to the program’s success.

In this article, we’ll explore Urban Meyer’s initial thoughts on Julian Sayin, examining why the former Ohio State coach believes Sayin could be a game-changer for the Buckeyes. Meyer, who has had experience coaching some of the best quarterbacks in recent history, offers a unique perspective on what makes Sayin such an intriguing prospect. We’ll also explore Sayin’s skill set, how he fits into Ohio State’s system, and what Meyer believes he can bring to the program in the coming years.

1. Urban Meyer’s Perspective on Julian Sayin

Urban Meyer’s legacy at Ohio State is closely tied to the quarterbacks he coached during his tenure, particularly Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields, and Braxton Miller. Meyer knows what it takes to win at the highest level and understands the importance of having an elite quarterback to lead a championship-caliber team. As the Buckeyes prepare to integrate Julian Sayin into their offensive system, Meyer’s insights on the young quarterback are crucial in understanding his potential.

Meyer has always been a firm believer in the idea that a quarterback’s ability to process information quickly, make quick decisions, and perform under pressure are critical components of success. In his assessment of Sayin, Meyer has already praised the young quarterback’s ability to read defenses and his composure in the pocket, two attributes that he values highly.

“I’ve seen a lot of quarterbacks in my time, and what impresses me about Julian is his ability to stay calm under pressure,” Meyer said. “He’s the type of player who doesn’t let the game speed up on him. That’s a rare quality for a young quarterback, and it’s one of the things that’s going to make him special as he develops at Ohio State.”

Sayin’s poise and ability to read defenses were key factors that made him a five-star recruit out of high school, and Meyer believes this ability will translate well to the college game. One of Meyer’s most significant qualities as a coach was his ability to simplify the game for his quarterbacks, allowing them to play freely and confidently. He believes Sayin’s mental acuity and understanding of the game will allow him to thrive in a similar system.

2. Sayin’s Skill Set and Why Meyer is High on Him

Meyer’s confidence in Julian Sayin is rooted in the quarterback’s diverse skill set. Sayin, who played at Carlsbad High School in California, has all the physical traits that NFL scouts covet. At 6’3” and 215 pounds, Sayin has the prototypical size for a quarterback, combining height, arm strength, and athleticism. His ability to push the ball downfield with velocity and accuracy is one of his most noticeable attributes, but it’s not just about physicality. His mental makeup and decision-making process on the field is what makes him a special talent.

Arm Strength and Accuracy

Meyer has seen firsthand the importance of a quarterback’s arm strength in the modern college game. Over the years, he’s coached quarterbacks with different playing styles, from dual-threat QBs like Braxton Miller to pocket passers like Dwayne Haskins. One of the things Meyer notices about Sayin is his ability to make all the throws required at the next level.

“Julian has that rare combination of arm strength and accuracy,” Meyer observed. “He can throw the ball to all areas of the field, and he does it with precision. That’s not something you see from every quarterback, especially at his age.”

Sayin’s ability to consistently place the ball accurately on deep throws and in tight windows will be a major asset for Ohio State’s high-powered offense. His arm strength allows him to make every throw in the playbook, which opens up a wide range of offensive possibilities for the Buckeyes.

Mobility and Escapability

Another area where Sayin stands out is his mobility. While not known as a true dual-threat quarterback like Fields or Miller, Sayin has the ability to make plays with his legs when necessary. He’s mobile enough to extend plays and escape pressure in the pocket but still possesses the poise to keep his eyes downfield and make accurate throws. Meyer has always valued a quarterback’s ability to move within the pocket and avoid sacks, and Sayin’s ability to do so is something that will help him in Ohio State’s up-tempo offense.

Meyer believes that Sayin’s combination of mobility and ability to keep his eyes on the field while moving is one of the things that makes him a future star. “It’s so important for a quarterback to have the ability to move within the pocket,” Meyer said. “Julian has that, and he has a natural feel for when to step up and when to escape. That’s a critical skill that will make him a huge asset to Ohio State’s offense.”

Football IQ and Leadership

As much as Meyer emphasizes physical traits, he knows that a quarterback’s football IQ is just as critical to success. For a quarterback to lead a team to the highest levels of competition, they must have the ability to read defenses, adjust to different schemes, and make quick decisions under pressure. Sayin has demonstrated his football intelligence both in high school and at the quarterback camps he attended prior to his enrollment at Ohio State.

“Julian’s football IQ is off the charts,” Meyer remarked. “He’s one of those quarterbacks who can quickly read a defense and make the right decision, whether it’s a quick throw or a decision to tuck and run. His ability to process information is one of the reasons I believe he has such a high ceiling at Ohio State.”

This ability to read defenses and make quick decisions will be essential in Ohio State’s fast-paced, high-tempo offense, which requires the quarterback to make adjustments on the fly and efficiently distribute the ball to a variety of playmakers.

3. How Julian Sayin Fits Into Ohio State’s System

Urban Meyer’s offenses were known for their balance and versatility, using both the run game and the passing game to keep defenses on their toes. Although Ryan Day, the current head coach at Ohio State, has built on Meyer’s foundation with an increased emphasis on the passing game, the core principles of Meyer’s system still resonate. Sayin’s ability to thrive in a balanced offense will be essential, as Ohio State continues to develop its quarterback-friendly scheme.

Meyer sees Sayin as someone who will excel in this system due to his adaptability and understanding of how to utilize his offensive weapons. Ohio State has one of the most talented receiving corps in the country, and Sayin’s ability to distribute the ball to playmakers like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka will be crucial in ensuring the success of the offense.

In terms of offensive scheme, Sayin fits well into the Buckeyes’ system. He has the ability to throw both short and long-range passes, which will make him an ideal fit for Ohio State’s quick-strike offense. Meyer’s influence in helping Sayin understand how to work within a well-structured offense will be crucial to his success. The ability to read the defense quickly, execute the correct play, and make the right decision under pressure will be vital for Sayin as he transitions into college football.

Meyer also notes that Sayin’s adaptability will help him succeed at Ohio State. “The offense at Ohio State can change depending on who’s at quarterback, but the best quarterbacks adapt to the system and make it their own,” Meyer said. “Julian is the type of player who will learn the system and eventually be able to execute it at a very high level.”

4. What’s Next for Julian Sayin at Ohio State?

While Urban Meyer’s initial thoughts on Julian Sayin are glowing, the young quarterback still has plenty of work ahead of him as he enters his first season at Ohio State. Sayin’s ability to adjust to the speed of the game in the Big Ten and to handle the pressure of playing for one of college football’s most storied programs will be essential to his development.

Meyer remains optimistic about Sayin’s future and believes that with proper coaching and mentorship, he will thrive in Ohio State’s system. “He has the talent, he has the leadership, and he has the work ethic,” Meyer said. “I believe he can be one of the top quarterbacks in the country.”

As Sayin steps onto the field for Ohio State, the expectations will be high. But with his skill set, football IQ, and leadership potential, he is well-positioned to carry on the proud tradition of great quarterbacks at Ohio State. If Meyer’s initial thoughts are any indication, Julian Sayin is poised to be a key player in the future of Buckeye football, and a potential star in

the NFL down the road.