MAJOR COLLEGE FOOTBALL ANALYST GIVES OHIO STATE QUARTERBACK JULIAN SAYIN A SHOCKINGLY LOW RANKING, REVEALING THE UNFAIR PRESSURE PLACED ON THE BUCKEYES’ RISING STAR BEFORE HE TAKES HIS FIRST SNAP…

— Heated Debate Ignites Among Fans and Experts as the Former 5-Star QB Faces Media Scrutiny Despite Being in a New System Under Ryan Day —

COLUMBUS, OH — The college football offseason has always brought with it bold takes, heated predictions, and at times, controversial rankings. But few have stirred the pot quite like the latest quarterback ranking from a major national analyst that has left Buckeye Nation scratching their heads — or outright fuming.

In a newly released top 25 quarterbacks list heading into the 2025 college football season, Ohio State redshirt freshman Julian Sayin, one of the most heralded quarterback recruits in the country just a year ago, found himself inexplicably left out of the top 15. The former five-star prospect — and 2023 Elite 11 MVP — was listed No. 22 on the preseason QB rankings, behind quarterbacks from mid-tier programs and Group of Five schools.

To many, this was more than just an oversight. It was a statement. And it wasn’t a fair one.

Sayin, who transferred from Alabama to Ohio State in January after one season behind Jalen Milroe, has yet to take a single snap in scarlet and gray. Yet the expectations surrounding him are immense. With Kyle McCord gone, Devin Brown in the portal, and Lincoln Kienholz still developing, the path to the starting job appears clear — and so does the pressure. But this recent ranking has raised the question: Are we placing unrealistic expectations on a player still waiting for his first meaningful college snap?

The Ranking That Sparked the Fire

The rankings in question were released by Bradley Graham, a long-time college football insider and analyst for GridironPulse247, a popular outlet known for its provocative preseason takes. In his quarterback tier list published last week, Graham placed Sayin at No. 22, nestled between Colorado State’s Clay Millard and Wake Forest’s redshirt senior Hank Temple.

Sayin’s placement triggered an immediate backlash.

“How can you rank a guy who was a top-three recruit in the entire 2024 class, MVP of multiple camps, and a flawless spring game performance below guys who’ve never taken a meaningful snap in a Power Five game?” tweeted former Ohio State QB Cardale Jones, clearly frustrated with the slight.

Others joined in.

ESPN analyst Desmond Howard chimed in during an appearance on College Football Live, saying:

“Julian Sayin hasn’t played much yet, but when he did in the spring, you could see the accuracy, the poise, and the maturity. This kid is special. I think that ranking says more about media bias than his actual ability.”

Even more blunt was former OSU great Troy Smith:

“People just want to see the kid fail. They don’t say it out loud, but that ranking says it loud and clear. It’s a challenge to Julian — and he’s going to respond.”

Who Is Julian Sayin? A Quick Look at the Phenom

For those unfamiliar with Sayin’s resume, the now 19-year-old quarterback out of Carlsbad, California, was a consensus top-five player in the 2024 class and widely considered one of the most polished QB recruits in the past five years. He originally committed to Alabama under Nick Saban, enrolling early to compete during the 2024 season.

But with Saban’s retirement and changes in the Tide’s coaching staff, Sayin saw his trajectory shift. Despite rave reviews during practices and workouts, Milroe retained the starting job throughout 2024. After a single season of sitting and recalibrating, Sayin entered the portal in December and committed to Ohio State within days.

At Ohio State’s 2025 Spring Game, Sayin dazzled. He completed 19 of 22 passes for 289 yards and three touchdowns, slicing through the defense with anticipation and command — not unlike a young C.J. Stroud or Justin Fields. Ryan Day, known for developing NFL-caliber QBs, didn’t hide his excitement.

“Julian has the tools, the work ethic, and the intelligence. He’s not just talented — he’s obsessed with being great,” Day said after the game.

So, given this performance, his high school accolades, and the immense expectations from the Buckeye staff, how does he end up as the 22nd-best QB in the country?

A Ranking That Reflects Pressure — Not Performance

Analysts like Graham defend the ranking as “conservative,” noting that Sayin has limited collegiate experience. But critics argue that Graham’s evaluation contradicts how similar quarterbacks have been ranked in previous seasons.

“We’ve seen guys with less hype than Sayin ranked higher based on potential,” said CBS analyst Rick Neuheisel. “This ranking is less about what Julian is — and more about what people fear he might not be. That’s unfair to the kid.”

There’s growing belief that Sayin is being used as a litmus test for Ohio State’s reputation — not as a player, but as a symbol of expectations. With Ryan Day under pressure to win the Big Ten and beat Michigan for the first time in three years, and with the arrival of USC and Oregon to the conference, Sayin has become the face of Ohio State’s hopes. And with that comes scrutiny.

“He’s the most important player in Columbus right now, and he hasn’t played a down yet,” noted local radio host Bobby Carpenter. “That tells you how desperate fans are for a return to dominance.”

Ohio State Fans React: ‘Disrespect at Its Peak’

The reaction from the Ohio State fan base has been swift and passionate. Social media platforms have been flooded with comments blasting the ranking and defending their young quarterback.

“You ranked Julian Sayin behind two QBs who went 5-7 last year. Be serious,” posted one fan on Bucknuts, a popular OSU fan forum.

“I haven’t seen a ranking this disrespectful since they dropped Braxton Miller to #20 back in 2014. And we saw how that turned out,” another user said.

Some fans see it as motivation.

“Let them hate. Julian thrives under pressure. This is going on the bulletin board for Week 1.”

Indeed, Sayin’s supporters argue that these rankings may end up being a blessing in disguise — something to fuel the fire and keep the young quarterback grounded and focused.

Inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center: Sayin’s Silent Response

While the media swirls with opinions and backlash, inside the Ohio State facility, Sayin has kept quiet.

Sources inside the program say Sayin has taken the ranking personally but has chosen to internalize it as motivation. According to teammates, Sayin has been the first in and last out of quarterback meetings, obsessively studying film and building rapport with wideouts like Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith.

“He doesn’t care about the ranking,” one offensive lineman told The Lantern. “He’s out here to win games, period. That’s all that matters to him.”

Quarterbacks coach Corey Dennis echoed that sentiment, noting that Sayin has responded to every challenge with the same calm precision he showed in the spring.

“Julian’s not interested in headlines. He’s interested in getting better every day. That’s why we love him.”

The Bigger Picture: What This Says About Modern College Football

This incident reflects a broader issue in college football today: the rush to judge young athletes based on external narratives rather than merit. With the rise of NIL deals, the transfer portal, and social media clout, players like Sayin are subjected to professional-level scrutiny before even cementing their place in the starting lineup.

Analysts looking to make headlines often pick on high-profile names — and Sayin, who turned down millions in NIL to find the best fit for his career, fits that mold.

“He’s not just a QB. He’s a brand. And brands are easier to scrutinize,” said branding expert Rachel Kwan, who works with collegiate athletes on media perception.

As a freshman, Sayin may not yet have the resume to be ranked among the Caleb Williams or Quinn Ewers types. But to see his name buried behind third-tier QBs, after the pedigree and performance he’s shown, sends a message: greatness at Ohio State comes with a target on your back.

Looking Ahead: The Proving Ground Starts This Fall

Julian Sayin and the Buckeyes open their 2025 campaign with a home game against Marshall, followed by a high-stakes clash against Texas A&M in Week 2. Those early games will be crucial not just for team momentum, but for Sayin to show the football world what he’s truly made of.

If his spring game was any indication, the doubters may not have long to wait before being proven wrong.

And if Sayin thrives, don’t be surprised if the same analysts currently underrating him are the first to jump on the hype train.

Until then, Sayin’s message remains unspoken — but clear:

Let the rankings come. Let the pressure mount. I’ll let my game speak for me.

Final Word: The Weight of the Scarlet and Gray

Julian Sayin didn’t ask to be the face of Ohio State’s resurgence. But through circumstance, talent, and quiet leadership, he’s becoming exactly that. The recent ranking from GridironPulse247 might not reflect his ability — but it does reflect the microscope under which he now plays.

For a program hungry to reclaim its dominance and for a quarterback looking to finally step out of the waiting room and into the spotlight, this season will be about more than stats and scores. It’ll be about how one young man handles the weight of expectations — and turns doubt into destiny.

And if Buckeye Nation has anything to say about it, that No. 22 ranking won’t age well.