Ohio State QB Julian Sayin Punches His Ticket to New York as 2025 Heisman Finalist
COLUMBUS, OH – The Heisman Trophy race, that annual fever pitch of college football individual excellence, is officially down to its final four contenders. And for the Ohio State Buckeyes, there’s no doubt who their horse in the race is: quarterback Julian Sayin. Guiding Ohio State to a stellar 12-1 season and a coveted No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoff, Sayin’s exceptional play has rightfully earned him a trip to New York City as a Heisman finalist.
The eagerly anticipated announcement, broadcast on ESPN Monday evening, confirmed the elite company Sayin now keeps. Joining him in the finalist class are Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (who has authored his own incredible story this season), and Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia. It’s a diverse and talented group, but Sayin’s case is particularly compelling.
“I think growing up, I was a big fan of Oregon when Marcus Marriotta was there, that would be my memory,” Sayin said regarding Heisman moments. “I was watching them as a West Coast kid, they were big and it was awesome to see an idol of mine win that award.”
Sayin’s claim to the trophy is built on a foundation of precision and efficiency that has led the nation all season long. His incredible 78.4% completion percentage doesn’t just lead the country; it remarkably eclipses the all-time NCAA record of 77.4% set just last year by Oregon’s Bo Nix. Couple that with a commanding 182.05 passing efficiency rating, and it’s clear Sayin has been operating at an elite level rarely seen in the college game.
However, it’s not just about dinks and dunks. Sayin has proven his big-play capability, tying for the most games this season – five – with at least 300 passing yards and three passing touchdowns. He also shares the national lead with 11 touchdown passes of at least 30 yards, showcasing his ability to stretch defenses and deliver knockout blows.
His overall statistical output is equally impressive, reflecting his consistency and impact:
- Tied for 2nd nationally with 30 touchdown passes.
- 5th in the country at 9.3 yards per attempt.
- 11th with 3,329 passing yards.
- 19th at 255.6 passing yards per game.
Sayin’s presence in New York also adds another chapter to Ohio State’s rich Heisman history. The Buckeyes proudly boast seven Heisman Trophy winners, tying them for second place all-time with storied programs like Notre Dame and Oklahoma. Only USC, with its eight winners, leads that exclusive club.
From Carlsbad High School in California to the biggest stage in college football, Julian Sayin has navigated his first season as a starter with a maturity and skill that belie his relative inexperience. Now, as he prepares to learn his Heisman fate, one thing is sure, he’s already cemented his place among Ohio State’s legendary quarterbacks, and his incredible season has the Buckeyes poised for a deep playoff run and properly defend their national championship.
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