Young Buckeyes QB stares down a 20-year nightmare stat.
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin steps into one of the most daunting situations imaginable for his first career start. The former five-star prospect and Alabama Crimson Tide signee opens his sophomore season against top-ranked Texas on Aug. 30.
Over the past 20 years, quarterbacks making their first start against the No. 1 team have a staggering 0-18 record. Sayin has spent nearly two years being groomed for this moment. Now that moment arrives wrapped in expectations, pressure and a potentially cursed statistical omen.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day handed Sayin the job following a spirited competition with junior Lincoln Kienholz and freshman Tavien St. Clair. Sayin, measuring in at 6-foot-1 and 208 pounds, backed up Will Howard last season, mostly appearing in mop-up duty.
He saw a few snaps in Ohio State’s College Football Playoff win over the Tennessee Volunteers. Day cited Sayin’s calm command, live arm and quick mastery of the system when naming him the starter.
Sayin Steps Into National Spotlight with Inexperienced Supporting Cast
Running backs James Peoples; CJ Donaldson Jr., a transfer from West Virginia; and Bo Jackson headline a revamped backfield behind an offensive line anchored by returning interior linemen Luke Montgomery and Tegra Tshabola.
Wide receivers Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss form a dynamic trio capable of stretching defenses across all levels, giving Sayin explosive options in every formation.
Crazy Stat: In the last 20 years, when a QB makes his first start against the #1 team, he's 0-18 😬
— Orangebloods.com (@orangebloods_) August 19, 2025
Ohio State QB Julian Sayin will make his first career start against #1 Texas on August 30th pic.twitter.com/xuVSFWHupK
Sayin’s ability to handle pressure and avoid turnovers could determine whether Ohio State ends the 0-18 streak.
The Buckeyes also ranked tied for 10th in 2024 by allowing just one sack per game, so keeping Sayin's uniform clean will go a long way.
A Defining Moment for Ohio State’s Season Trajectory
Anticipation surrounding the opener has reached a boiling point, with oddsmakers labeling Texas the rare No. 1 team entering Week 1 as an underdog.
Day said Sayin’s rise to the starting job came from “consistent play” and an advanced feel for the offense in recent weeks.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, meanwhile, called Sayin an "elite passer" with a "very quick release,” emphasizing the Longhorns' defensive preparation centered around Ohio State’s new quarterback.
The matchup doubles as a litmus test after both programs lost several starters to the NFL draft. How Sayin handles this immediate pressure will shape not only perceptions of Ohio State’s title chances but also the early balance of power between two of the sport’s biggest programs.
The Longhorns visit the Buckeyes at noon ET Aug. 30 on Fox.
Related: Julian Sayin’s College Football Journey: From Alabama Signee to Ohio State’s Starting QB
Related: Ed Orgeron Eyes Comeback: Five College Football Jobs That Make Perfect Sense
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Category: General Sports
