REPORT: As quarterback Julian Sayin struggles in the scrimmage, Ohio State Buckeyes fans are freaking out.

The Ohio State Buckeyes football program has long been one of the most storied and successful teams in college football history. Year after year, expectations are high, and anything short of championship contention is often viewed as a disappointment. With the 2025 season fast approaching, Ohio State fans are eagerly anticipating the potential of their latest star recruit, quarterback Julian Sayin. Sayin, a five-star recruit from Southern California, was heralded as the next big thing for the Buckeyes, a quarterback who could lead them to another national championship. But as the team held its spring scrimmage in late March, things didn’t go according to plan for Sayin, and fans have been quick to express their concerns.

In this article, we’ll dive into the scrimmage, the struggles of Julian Sayin, and the reactions from Ohio State fans. Are these concerns warranted, or is this simply a case of overreaction? We’ll analyze what happened in the scrimmage, the potential impact on Sayin’s development, and what Ohio State fans can realistically expect moving forward.

The Scrimmage: An Early Test for Julian Sayin

Spring scrimmages are an important part of any college football program’s off-season training. They serve as a means for coaches to evaluate their players in a game-like environment, helping to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas that need improvement. For Ohio State, the spring scrimmage is a critical opportunity for the coaching staff to assess the performance of their quarterback room, especially with a highly-touted prospect like Julian Sayin on the roster.

Julian Sayin, who arrived at Ohio State in January as part of the 2025 recruiting class, came with lofty expectations. A dual-threat quarterback known for his ability to make throws on the move and his strong arm, Sayin was expected to challenge for the starting job immediately. The Buckeyes’ starting quarterback spot was left open after the departure of last season’s starter, and many saw Sayin as the natural heir apparent.

During the scrimmage, Sayin was given plenty of opportunities to showcase his skills. However, things didn’t go as smoothly as expected. According to multiple reports, Sayin struggled with consistency throughout the session. He missed several easy throws, including a number of short and intermediate passes that are typically part of his strength. His decision-making was also questioned, as he appeared to hold onto the ball too long on several occasions, leading to sacks and stalled drives.

While it’s not uncommon for freshman quarterbacks to experience growing pains, this performance raised questions for some observers. Sayin’s struggles were further compounded by a strong performance from backup quarterback Kyle McCord, who seemed to execute the offense with more fluidity and precision. McCord, a junior with experience, was seen as the frontrunner for the starting job before Sayin’s arrival, and his strong showing in the spring scrimmage only fueled the debate over who should be the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback.

The Fans’ Reaction: Panic and Overreaction

As news of Sayin’s struggles spread, Ohio State fans wasted no time in voicing their concerns. Social media platforms were quickly flooded with reactions from supporters of the Buckeyes, with many expressing their disappointment in Sayin’s performance. Given the high expectations surrounding him, it’s not surprising that fans would be concerned by an underwhelming performance, but the reactions were often dramatic.

Some fans voiced frustration, citing Sayin’s inability to perform under pressure and questioning whether he was truly ready for the rigors of college football. Others were more critical of the coaching staff, suggesting that Ohio State should have recruited a more polished quarterback who was better prepared to step in and lead the team. A few fans even went as far as to call for McCord to be named the starter, despite Sayin’s potential and McCord’s own inconsistency in past seasons.

On the other hand, there were fans who quickly defended Sayin, arguing that it was far too early to draw conclusions based on a single scrimmage. These fans pointed out that spring practice is often a time for players to work through mistakes, refine their skills, and adjust to the college level. They emphasized that a freshman quarterback, especially one who was only in his first few months at Ohio State, should not be expected to perform at a high level immediately.

While the reactions from fans ranged from panic to patience, the one thing that became clear was that the Buckeyes’ quarterback situation had suddenly become a topic of intense debate. Ohio State fans are used to having elite quarterbacks lead the team, and the idea of a struggling freshman taking over the reins was understandably unsettling for many.

A Closer Look at Sayin’s Struggles

It’s important to keep the performance in context. Spring scrimmages are designed to be developmental, and they don’t always reflect a player’s true ability. Julian Sayin is a highly talented quarterback with tremendous upside, and one scrimmage should not be enough to judge his entire career. Quarterback development, particularly for a freshman, is a process that takes time, and it’s important to consider the full scope of his development rather than judging him based on a single performance.

There are several factors that could have contributed to Sayin’s struggles in the scrimmage. For one, he’s adjusting to a new system and a new level of competition. College football is a significant step up from high school, and quarterbacks often face a steep learning curve. Sayin, who played at a high level in California, may have been overwhelmed by the speed and complexity of Ohio State’s defense. Additionally, the offensive line may not have been at its best in the scrimmage, leading to pressure on Sayin and limiting his ability to make plays. It’s also worth noting that the Ohio State defense, while always talented, is typically one of the best in the country, and going up against that caliber of competition on a regular basis will undoubtedly test any quarterback, especially a freshman.

Moreover, it’s crucial to remember that a scrimmage is just one small piece of the puzzle. Sayin’s ability to perform under the lights in a real game will be determined by his ability to adjust, learn from his mistakes, and improve in practice. Ryan Day and his staff will undoubtedly use this experience as a teaching tool to help Sayin develop over the next few months.

Is the Panic Justified?

While it’s understandable for fans to feel uneasy about their quarterback situation after a rough spring scrimmage, the panic surrounding Sayin’s struggles is likely an overreaction. It’s not uncommon for freshmen to have inconsistent performances early in their careers, and the pressure to live up to high expectations can make early mistakes more noticeable.

Sayin’s struggles don’t necessarily indicate a long-term issue. Freshman quarterbacks are expected to experience growing pains, and Sayin’s development will likely take time. What matters most is how he responds to these challenges and how well he works with his coaches and teammates to improve. The fact that Ohio State’s coaching staff has a history of developing quarterbacks—Ryan Day himself being a former quarterback—should give fans confidence that Sayin will have the support he needs to grow and succeed.

It’s also important to remember that college football is a team sport. Quarterback play is critical, but it’s not the only factor that determines a team’s success. Ohio State has one of the most talented rosters in the country, with elite playmakers at virtually every position. Even if Sayin takes time to adjust to the college game, the surrounding talent can help carry the team early on.

Moving Forward: What to Expect from Julian Sayin

As Ohio State moves forward in the spring and summer, it’s likely that Julian Sayin will continue to develop and refine his game. The Buckeyes’ coaching staff will work with him to address the areas where he struggled, including his decision-making, accuracy, and ability to handle pressure. With more practice reps and continued experience, Sayin has the potential to grow into a dynamic playmaker for Ohio State.

It’s also worth noting that, while the quarterback battle between Sayin and McCord will undoubtedly be a focal point of the offseason, it’s possible that the competition will remain fluid throughout the summer and into the fall. Ryan Day has been known to give multiple quarterbacks opportunities, especially early in the season, and both Sayin and McCord could see playing time in the lead-up to the 2025 campaign.