The boldest contract gamble in modern college football

Why Ohio State is all-in on Julian Sayin

Though Sayin has seen limited playing time this season, Ohio State’s coaching staff and athletic department remain convinced that his upside is unlike anything the program has seen in a decade.

Coaches cite his elite arm talent, his near-flawless decision-making as a high school recruit, and the leadership traits he has shown in the locker room. Even in limited reps, Sayin has earned the respect of veteran teammates, several of whom believe he is “a franchise quarterback in waiting.”

A seismic shift in the economics of college football

Ross Bjork’s vision — and the pressure that comes with it

In an exclusive conversation with The Sun, Athletic Director Ross Bjorkdid not hold back. He described Sayin as “the foundation of our next era” and made clear that Ohio State is prepared to build its entire offensive identity around him.

Bjork has long been known for bold administrative decisions, but insiders say this is the most daring move of his career. Supporters view him as a visionary willing to take calculated risks to restore Ohio State’s national dominance. Critics argue that he is mortgaging the program’s long-term financial stability for a player who has yet to prove himself under the brightest spotlight.

The reaction: shock, disbelief, and intense debate

What this means for Julian Sayin

For Sayin, the pressure is now monumental.

He enters next season not only as the face of Ohio State football, but as the defining figure in a new era of NIL economics. Every pass, every snap, every decision will be viewed through the lens of a contract that carries program-defining consequences.

The beginning of a new chapter