Is Julian Sayin a Heisman Trophy Contender?

As the 2025 college football season heats up, one of the biggest storylines revolve around sophomore quarterback Julian Sayin. After transferring to Ohio State from Alabama, Sayin has quickly become one of the most talked-about young quarterbacks in the country. With a loaded Buckeye roster, elite-level offensive weapons, and national championship aspirations, the question many football fans from Carlsbad to Columbus are asking is simple — can Julian Sayin actually win the Heisman Trophy this year?

From Alabama to Ohio State: The Rise of Julian Sayin

A five-star recruit from Carlsbad High, where he was considered one of the most polished high school quarterbacks in the country, Sayin enrolled early at Alabama. However, after legendary head coach Nick Saban announced his retirement, Sayin entered the transfer portal and landed at Ohio State in early 2024 — a move that immediately reshaped the Buckeyes’ quarterback situation.

In limited action during the 2024 season, Sayin showed flashes of brilliance for the eventual national champions, completing 5 of 12 passes for 84 yards and a touchdown. That small sample and his training camp performance was enough for Ohio State’s coaching staff to hand him the keys to the offense in 2025. Through the first half of the season, he’s made good on that decision, throwing for over 1,400 yards, 15 touchdowns, and just three interceptions, while maintaining one of the top efficiency ratings in college football.