When you’re both gunning for the same prize, rivalry is usually inevitable. But that was never the story with Julian Sayin and Will Howard. Even though they were competing for the QB1 spot, there was never any bad blood. We saw Julian put in the work, patiently wait his turn, and now the field is finally his. But with Will heading to the NFL, the pressure on Sayin just ratcheted up. Ryan Day’s team already struggles with consistency, and now it’s on Sayin to keep the offense humming. The Buckeyes are pushing forward, though, and amidst all the pressure, Sayin’s finding strength in things beyond the gridiron.

Julian Sayin just posted a sweet anniversary pic on Instagram with his girlfriend, Gabrielle Fowler, celebrating one year together with the caption: 1 yr ❤️. Super cute, right? But the best part? Will Howard jumped into the comments immediately, dropping a “Broooo this is hella cute!!” That’s not just teammate support; that’s genuine friendship.

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If he puts his mind body and soul into it and listens does what he is coach to do he’ll...more

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Julian Sayin’s about to have a big moment, and he needs this kind of support and love now more than ever. Well, technically, he’s still considered a rookie, having never started a college game. But that will change in the upcoming season. His freshman numbers were impressive despite limited playing time—27 plays, 84 passing yards, and a touchdown. However, the pressure is already mounting, with Vegas placing high odds (+1200) on him winning the Heisman.

While this sounds promising, it also increases the expectations placed on him. And unfortunately, Ryan Day isn’t making things any easier. Losing key players and several starters to the NFL, including Will Howard, Quinshon Judkins, TreVeyon Henderson, and Emeka Egbuka, adds more challenge to Sayin’s plate. Plus, what’s more stressful is Julian Sayin not only replaces Howard but also inherits an offense that is missing its key weapons.

Now, the biggest question is whether Sayin and Jeremiah Smith can replicate the chemistry Howard and Smith had. Howard heavily relied on Smith throughout the season, and their connection reached its peak during the national championship game. Remember when Howard threw a deep pass and Smith caught it for a 54-yard gain, setting up a first and goal for the Buckeyes?

Now Julian Sayin needs to make those kinds of game-changing plays. But Ohio State’s coaching shuffle throws a wrench into everything. Especially with coordinator uncertainty looming, Sayin faces an uphill battle. The talent? Undeniable. But the challenge? Even bigger.

Is Julian Sayin’s future in doubt with Ryan Day’s coordinator carousel?

Well, Ryan Day’s coaching staff might as well be a revolving door at this point. Despite already securing a national title, the team lost its unity. First Jim Knowles departed to Penn State for a massive $3.1 million/yr contract. And just like that, their OL coach, Justin Frye, was gone (Arizona Cardinals), and their OC, Chip Kelly, bolted after only a year to join the Raiders. Now, Texas is eyeing graduate assistant LaAllan Clark, making Ohio State’s sideline appear unstable, like a freshman quarterback on his first blitz read. If Clark bails, it’ll just be one more gap in an already shaky Buckeye coaching staff.

Now, that’s straight-up misery for Julian Sayin, who transferred to Ohio State expecting stability, only to witness his support system crumble before he’s had a chance to take a real snap. With Kelly gone, he will be learning from a totally different offensive mind. And no Clark means the pass rush could suffer, and that puts extra pressure on the offense.

Sayin is undeniably talented, but even the best quarterbacks require consistency, and that’s something Ohio State is currently lacking. Now, Buckeyes fans can only hope that Coach Day has a well-devised plan because, at present, the foundation appears to be crumbling.