Overview
- At Big Ten Media Days in late July, Ohio State coach Ryan Day praised Sayin’s accuracy, intelligence, motivation and leadership and said he sees a noticeably different, more poised player.
- Day and multiple outlets reported that Sayin bulked up in the offseason and focused on fundamentals and communication to handle pressure better when the pocket collapses.
- New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who coached in the NFL, has introduced pro-style concepts that Day says have challenged Sayin and that the quarterback has kept up with in workouts.
- Sayin and top receiver Jeremiah Smith spent the offseason building timing and route chemistry, which coaches expect will allow Sayin to be more aggressive downfield.
- Sayin’s 2025 resume — 3,610 passing yards, 32 TDs, eight interceptions, conference freshman awards and a fourth-place Heisman finish — gives Ohio State national-title hopes but his four late-season interceptions, including a 72-yard pick-six in the playoff loss to Miami, remain the key issue to watch this fall.