Ohio State's Day shares message to Sayin vs. No. 1 Texas: 'Just win'
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has a particular message for quarterback Julian Sayin ahead of his first career start against No. 1-ranked Texas.
"Just win. Find a way to win," Day told reporters Tuesday, including the Big Ten Network.
He added, "We're gonna take it one play at a time. He's got a good group of guys around him. He's got a good defense, he's got good special teams, a good offensive line, good skill guys - he needs to lean into those players and find a way to win the game. We'll try to get him into a rhythm and then go from there."
Sayin was named the Buckeyes' starter after separating himself from junior passer Lincoln Kienholz during fall camp. The California native initially committed to Alabama but transferred to Ohio State after coach Nick Saban retired.
The 20-year-old was a five-star recruit and the ESPN 300's No. 2-ranked quarterback in the 2024 class. Sayin attempted 12 passes in relief duty last year and threw his first career touchdown pass against Western Michigan in September.
Sayin will have plenty of weapons on offense to work with, including star wideout Jeremiah Smith, who hauled in 76 catches for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns during his freshman season to propel Ohio State to a national title.
Ohio State's matchup with Texas is expected to be the top game on the Week 1 slate. Arch Manning, who was named Texas' starter after sitting behind Quinn Ewers for two seasons, is the Heisman betting favorite entering the season.
"Athletic; a big, strong arm; smart; quick release; accurate - all of the above," Day said of Manning, according to ESPN's Jake Trotter. "I mean, he checks every box."
The Buckeyes and Longhorns will face off at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday.