Julian Sayin Opens Up on Will Howard Lesson That Fuels Ohio State Run

Ohio State’s path to the College Football Playoff this season feels familiar. Just like in 2024, the Buckeyes are heading into the postseason after a loss, this time falling to the Indiana Hoosiers in the Big Ten title game. But for quarterback Julian Sayin, that setback isn’t causing panic. If anything, it’s reminding him of a lesson he watched closely just a year ago.

Julian Sayin believes the blueprint is already there, thanks to former Ohio State quarterback Will Howard and head coach Ryan Day.

Julian Sayin explained that watching him up close during last season’s playoff run stood out the most. He noted how the quarterback handled preparation and delivered his strongest performances when the pressure was highest. Sayin added that head coach Ryan Day often emphasizes that elite players rise in the biggest moments, and that mindset is something the team must continue to follow moving forward.

Last season was mostly about learning for Julian Sayin. He wasn’t the face of the offense yet. Instead, he spent the year watching Howard closely, studying how he handled pressure, prepared for opponents, and stayed steady when things didn’t go as planned. Sayin’s job was simple: learn the system, take notes, and be ready when his moment came.

Now, that moment has arrived.

Anyone who follows college football knows Ohio State often looks different once the playoffs begin. The regular-season Buckeyes and the postseason Buckeyes are rarely the same team. Howard embodied that shift perfectly in 2024.

His final regular-season game against Michigan didn’t go well. Ohio State lost 13-10, and Howard threw for just 175 yards with one touchdown and two costly interceptions. Still, he refused to see it as the end. He reminded everyone that the season wasn’t over—and he backed it up.

From that point on, Ohio State didn’t lose another game. The Buckeyes stormed through the playoffs and finished with a national championship.

“Will really showed his leadership during the playoff run,” Sayin said. “You could also see how prepared he was, especially with how confident he looked on every throw and decision.”

Ohio State’s playoff run was dominant. The Buckeyes won at Tennessee, ended Oregon’s unbeaten season in the Rose Bowl, controlled Texas in the Cotton Bowl, and then beat Notre Dame to claim the title. Howard was a major reason why. In four playoff games, he threw for around 1,150 yards, eight touchdowns, and only two interceptions, completing over 75 percent of his passes.

Howard has since moved on to the NFL, but the respect between the two quarterbacks is clear. Howard has praised Julian Sayin’s calm presence and strong arm, and Sayin is eager to carry that standard forward.

Adding to the intrigue is Ryan Day’s decision to officially take over play-calling duties. Day called the plays in the Cotton Bowl and will continue doing so as Ohio State prepares for its playoff matchup against Miami. While it may not seem dramatic on the surface, it matters.

“I’m involved with most of what goes on anyway,” Day said. “We’ll be good. It’s a group effort.”

Ohio State’s game plan is largely set well before kickoff, with calls prepared for different situations. Still, Day’s direct control could lead to a more aggressive offense. The challenge will be balancing play-calling with overall game management, especially against a fast and talented Miami defense.

For Julian Sayin, though, the focus is simple. Be ready. Be prepared. And when the moment is biggest, be at his best—just like Will Howard was.

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