Ohio State Quarterback Julian Sayin Finishes Fourth In Heisman Voting

After a stellar season in his first year as Ohio State’s starting quarterback, Julian Sayin fell just short of winning the Heisman Trophy. Sayin, who was one of four Heisman finalists, finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting behind Indiana quarterback and winner of the award, Fernando Mendoza, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.

Ohio State’s redshirt freshman quarterback threw for 3,323 yards, 31 touchdowns and six interceptions while completing 78.4 percent of his passes. Sayin’s completion percentage is the best mark in the country.

Sayin was considered a frontrunner to win the award, given to the best player in college football, throughout much of the end of the regular season. However, after Ohio State lost to Indiana 13-10 in the Big Ten Championship on Dec. 6, Mendoza was the overwhelming favorite to win the award.

Although Sayin fell short of winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy, he was the first Buckeye to be a finalist for the award since Marvin Harrison Jr., who nearly won the award in 2023. Sayin has also received several other honors after leading Ohio State to its first 12-0 regular season since 2019. Sayin was named to the All-Big Ten second-team, he was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and was named to the Walter Camp All-American second-team.

Sayin and the Buckeyes will be back in action in the College Football Playoffs, where they will either face Texas A&M or Miami (Fla.) in the Cotton Bowl on Dec. 31.