Ohio State QB Julian Sayin on leaving Alabama, competing at OSU, Will Howard's mentorship
'I think I learned a lot last year,' said Sayin. 'Learning from Will, just learned, you know, how to be a leader. He was a great leader for the offense and for the team, and, you know, I think that was definitely something I tried to learn from him. And, definitely learned a lot also from Will. You know, just learning about the preparation aspect and, you know, how much preparation goes into each week."
Coming out of high school, Sayin was a five-star recruit and ranked as the No. 2 quarterback in the nation. He originally committed to Alabama, but after the retirement of legendary head coach Nick Saban, Sayin made the decision to transfer to Ohio State. In the interview, he also opened up about his thought process behind leaving Tuscaloosa and choosing to continue his journey in Columbus.
'When I ended up going to Alabama, I wanted to go play for Coach Saban," Sayin said. "And when he retired, I decided to transfer and Ohio State was just a big decision for me and I was excited to make it just because of the quarterback development history they've had with Coach Day.'
'The guys like Justin Fields, CJ Stroud come before and they've done a great job with quarterbacks and then just the talent they have at the offensive skill positions," continued Sayin. "It was definitely a great decision for me and I couldn't be happier."
Sayin is still locked in a quarterback competition with Lincoln Kienholz for the starting job as the Buckeyes prepare to open their season against the Texas Longhorns on August 30. However, the redshirt sophomore carries himself with a calm confidence, shaped by last year's championship run, where he learned behind veteran Will Howard, and by the Buckeyes' storied tradition of quarterback development.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
26 minutes ago
- USA Today
Notre Dame saw On3's Steve Wiltfong predicting to land one of its last 2026 targets
Notre Dame football currently has twenty-six commits in the 2026 recruiting cycle, and while there isn't much room left, there is for at least one more prospect. Elijah Golden is a 6-foot, 4-inch and 275-pound defensive lineman from Florida who will make his commitment on Aug. 9th, deciding between Alabama, Oklahoma, Virginia Tech and the Irish. On3's Steve Wiltfong really likes Notre Dame's chances, as on Monday he put in a projection for Golden to commit to the Blue and Gold. With a frame like his, Golden will most likely play on the interior of the line at the next level, but can also play on the edge if needed. Tiki Hola is the only other prospect that projects inside, so there is a clear need for Notre Dame to add another in this class. The hope is that Wiltfong is correct, and Golden ultimately does select the Irish on Saturday. Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions. Follow Mike on X: @MikeFChen
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Saints have unique role in mind for two-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman LeCharles Bentley
'I enjoy being able to serve the game and also be able to do so at a much higher level' Now this is cool. On Monday, the New Orleans Saints announced that former two-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman LeCharles Bentley will be returning to the team not as a coach or player, but as a "personnel and performance consultant." Drafted by the Saints in the second round out of Ohio State back in 2002, Bentley is the only offensive lineman in team history to be chosen for the Pro Bowl at two different positions, first as a right guard (in 2003) and later at center (2005). Unfortunately, a knee injury cut short what looked to be a star-studded career, but Bentley has gone on to become a successful personal trainer for some of the league's best offensive linemen. He also works with the league office in New York as an advisor on player performance and development. The new role Saints general manager Mickey Loomis has outlined for him sounds unique. "I think the biggest thing Mickey is asking me to do is just kind of view the landscape of what's happening in the building, where I can add value in the evaluation process and development of players," Bentley told team reporter John DeShazier. "I've spent a lot of time watching film, so I've kind of hit multiple areas. I've spent time in the weight room, I've spent time on the field, I've spent time upstairs being able to assess and evaluate players and I also sit in meetings. "I'm touching multiple places and for me, I really enjoy that because it's a challenge. But it also aligns with my personal skill sets. I don't want to get into coaching, or have aspirations of being a coach. But I enjoy being able to serve the game and also be able to do so at a much higher level." Other former players are still working in the organization as position coaches, like future Pro Football Hall of Fame right guard Jahri Evans. Others work in the front office and scouting department like longtime Saints tight end Josh Hill. After spending ten years with the Saints as a player, Fred McAfee has worked in player development for 17 years, and currently holds the title of vice president of player engagement. Bentley stressed that his ability to communicate with players is different than with coaches, as "it's peer-to-peer engagement" given his resume. And for Bentley, the opportunity to work with Loomis again, as well as the general manager who drafted him in Randy Mueller, is a surreal experience: "To be under their tutelage in another chapter of life is a bit surreal. I really appreciate this time because it's a different season of my life, and I'm enjoying it. So to be able to kind of kick off that next chapter back at home – where else would be a better place to do so?"
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
ESPN's Analytics Has One SEC Program as Long Shot to Make College Football Playoff
ESPN's Analytics Has One SEC Program as Long Shot to Make College Football Playoff originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Florida Gators are 19-19 in three seasons under head coach Billy Napier, who just went 8-5 in 2024. Now, the Gators have something else in their sights. Since its introduction to college football in 2014, Florida has never made the College Football Playoff. The format changed to allow 12 teams last season. ESPN's Analytics predicted each team's chances of making the CFP and gave Florida the lowest odds in the SEC, at 14.5%. While Florida appears to be taking a step in the right direction under Napier, it has been a challenging ride recently. The Gators' last 11-win season was in 2019 under former head coach Dan Mullen. Florida's path to the CFP is not an easy one either. The Gators have the most challenging schedule in college football again, much like last season. The program opens with Long Island and USF in its first two games before facing the LSU Tigers in Death Valley for its conference opener. Florida is then back on the road again, taking on in-state rival the Miami Hurricanes. Other crucial games for the Gators will be against the Texas Longhorns and the Georgia Bulldogs. Another potential problem could be the health of starting quarterback DJ Lagway. Lagway began training camp in a boot after a minor calf injury. He was eventually seen without the boot a few days later. If Lagway's injury problems persist during the season, it could be a long year for Florida. ESPN's Matt Barrie issued a warning about Lagway's health on a recent episode of "Always College Football." In recruiting, Florida has impressed with four-star edge rusher Mekai Brown, who hopes to return to Gainesville for a visit soon. Florida's season opener with Long Island is set for August story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
