The Julian Sayin target ESPN is targeting as Ohio State’s breakout candidate

ESPN has its eyes on one player to break out with a big campaign for Julian Sayin and the Ohio State Buckeyes throughout the 2026 season.

Ohio State has major ambitions for competing for a national championship, having won it all in the 2024-25 season. Their title repeat was unsuccessful, looking to get back on top this upcoming campaign.

ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg put together a list of players he expects to break out for their respective teams. For Ohio State, he named tight end Nate Roberts as one who can shine in the offense and become a viable option for Sayin to throw the ball to.

“After losing two tight ends in the top 90 selections of April’s NFL draft, the Buckeyes are looking for different contributors at the position for new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Roberts didn’t have a huge role last season but has impressed during the offseason. He could deliver a blended skill set to fill the receiving production void left by second-round draft pick Max Klare and the in-line blocking from third-round pick Will Kacmarek,” Rittenberg wrote.

“Nate really has a bright future here,” Buckeyes coach Ryan Day told ESPN. “He’s tough, he’s smart, really good ball skills, really good route runner. In terms of a second-year tight end since we’ve been here, he’s right on track to be as good as anyone.”

What lies ahead for Nate Roberts, Ohio State this season

Nate Roberts has solid potential to make great contributions in the Ohio State offense. If he can connect with Julian Sayin well, the Buckeyes have something cooking for 2026.

Ohio State is coming off a solid 2025 campaign under Riley, finishing with a 12-2 overall record. They went 9-0 against Big Ten opponents, losing the Big Ten title game to the Indiana Hoosiers. Their season came to an end in the CFP quarterfinals after falling 24-14 to the Miami Hurricanes, who went on to finish second behind Indiana for the national championship.

The No. 1 Buckeyes will get their season underway at home. They host the Ball State Cardinals on Sept. 5 at 12:30 p.m. ET.

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