Julian Sayin’s 2025 Season Compared to Ohio State’s Heisman Quarterback Legends
Julian Sayin has earned a spot as a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2025, marking the fifth occasion in eight years that Ohio State’s starting quarterback has reached this prestigious level. The Heisman ceremony will take place on Saturday night, recognizing notable players including Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, and Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love. Sayin’s journey to this event is a dream fulfilled, as he has aspired to attend the Heisman ceremony since childhood.
Although Sayin faces tough competition, particularly from Mendoza, he has posted impressive statistics this season. In fact, Sayin leads the nation in passer rating at 182.2 and has completed an impressive 78.4% of his passes. His outstanding performance contributed to Ohio State’s perfect 12-0 regular season and a much-anticipated victory over Michigan. His achievements have cemented his season in the annals of Buckeye history, especially with potential playoff success on the horizon.
2025 Heisman Finalist Quarterback Statistics
| Player | School | Cmp% (Cmp-Att) | Pass Yds | Yds/Att | TD | INT | Pass Rtg | Rush Yds | Rush TD | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Julian Sayin | Ohio State | 78.4 (279-356) | 3,323 | 9.33 | 31 | 6 | 182.2 | -2 | 0 | 12-1 |
| Fernando Mendoza | Indiana | 71.5 (226-316) | 2,980 | 9.43 | 33 | 6 | 181.4 | 240 | 6 | 13-0 |
| Diego Pavia | Vanderbilt | 71.2 (242-340) | 3,192 | 9.39 | 27 | 8 | 171.5 | 826 | 9 | 10-2 |
Julian Sayin’s Season in Context
Sayin’s completion rate positions him as the most efficient passer among the 2025 Heisman finalists. Despite attempting the highest number of passes, his efficiency outshines others, with Mendoza leading in overall yardage. However, Mendoza holds the advantage of leading Indiana to an undefeated season, potentially securing the Heisman for the first time for his school.
When compared to historic Heisman finalists from Ohio State, Sayin’s stats stand out. His current completion percentage not only highlights his accuracy but also represents a significant evolution in Ohio State’s passing game over the years. Each of the previous five Heisman finalists from the Buckeyes achieved higher overall statistics than Troy Smith, showcasing the growth of the program since Smith’s 2006 win.
Looking Forward: Sayin’s Future
As an underclassman, Sayin still has ample opportunity to build on his achievements. If he can further improve his passing numbers and overall game, he may become Ohio State’s next Heisman winner. The potential for a national championship run also looms large, positioning him for a remarkable legacy within Buckeye football history.
