Julian Sayin has already given Ohio State football plenty to believe in. Ryan Day, though, wants something beyond another eye-popping stat line when the No. 7 Buckeyes face Illinois. Fresh off a dominant 59-3 victory over Kent State, Ohio State returns to Big Ten action with Sayin operating the offense. Right now, Day’s challenge is straightforward. He wants to see his QB take another step as a leader and competitor.
Speaking with FOX Sports’ Jenny Taft, Day praised Sayin’s preparation before making his expectations clear.
Article Continues BelowThe Buckeyes are looking to build off last week’s win over Kent State 🌰@JennyTaft spoke with Ryan Day about how @OhioStateFB can do it pic.twitter.com/3Z9ucEMxWz
— Big Noon Kickoff (@BNKonFOX) September 26, 2026
“Just take the next step as a leader, as a competitor,” Day said. “Just go put it all on the field today. I expect him to do that.”
The message reflects where Sayin stands within an Ohio State offense loaded with championship expectations. His accuracy and command have already separated him. However, conference play demands more than precision. Day wants his quarterback to own the moment, elevate teammates, and bring the same intensity from preparation into the stadium. Against Illinois, that leadership could be just as important as Sayin’s arm talent. That's because the Buckeyes will now begin navigating the toughest stretch of their schedule.
Sayin has quickly developed into one of college football’s most intriguing quarterbacks. After arriving at Ohio State, he spent 2024 as a backup before taking over in 2025 and starting all 14 games. He completed 77.0% of his passes for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns. Sayin also became a Heisman Trophy finalist while setting a Big Ten single-season completion-percentage record. Now, Sayin enters 2026 as the centerpiece of Ryan Day’s offense. Day wants him taking another step toward becoming its unquestioned leader.