Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin is absolutely blowing up the preseason award circuit, with his name now officially stamped onto the Davey O’Brien watch list! Seriously, this kid is a magnet for accolades. We’re talking multiple All-American teams already, plus he’s snagged spots on the Maxwell, Walter Camp, and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm watch lists. It feels like every time you blink, Sayin is adding another major nod to his resume before the first whistle even blows.
The Weight of History on Sayin’s Shoulders
Man, let’s talk about the Davey O’Brien Award itself. This prestigious trophy has been around since 1977, originally changing its focus that same year to truly honor college football’s top quarterback after O’Brien’s passing. Legends like BYU’s Jim McMahon kicked off the tradition, being the first to claim it. So, we’re talking about serious history here, right? And here’s the kicker, the one that should have every Ohio State fan feeling that mix of excitement and maybe a little pressure: Julian Sayin is trying to be only the *second* Buckeye QB in history to win it. Think about that for a second! The lone Ohio State signal-caller to ever take home the Davey O’Brien was Troy Smith, way back after the 2006 season. That’s almost two decades of watching other teams hoist this thing! Sayin isn’t just in the running for an award; he’s got a shot at finally shattering a long-standing drought for the Scarlet and Gray.
From Freshman Phenom to Command Presence
Now, if you watched Sayin last season, you already know what kind of talent we’re talking about. This guy was an absolute monster as a redshirt freshman! He straight up led the entire nation in completion percentage, which is just insane for a first-year starter. And yeah, he earned a trip to New York as a Heisman finalist. A redshirt freshman, going to New York for the Heisman! That’s not just good; that’s elite. So, what’s next? Everything points to an even more ridiculous season ahead. The word is he “should be more comfortable” and have “more command of the offense” this fall. Plus, with “plenty of weapons around him,” the stage is set for an even more productive year. We’re not talking about minor improvements; we’re talking about a leap from an already stellar, nation-leading performance. Get ready.
The Countdown to December
So, what’s the bottom line for all of us watching this saga unfold? Mark your calendars, because the Davey O’Brien Award winner gets unveiled on December 11, live during ESPN’s Home Depot College Football Awards Show. This isn’t just about Julian Sayin collecting another individual trophy; it’s about a chance to etch his name into Ohio State lore, to prove that his freshman fireworks were just the warm-up, and to finally bring that Davey O’Brien Award back to Columbus for the first time in what feels like forever. He’s got the talent, the momentum, and now the explicit recognition as one of the best. The college football world is on notice. Let’s see him make history.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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