Particle.news
Download on the App Store
33 ARTICLES
·
2d ago

Julian Sayin Seizes Heisman Lead in Ohio State’s Rout of Penn State

Nick Saban’s on-air mea culpa for shelving Sayin at Alabama spotlighted how a transfer unlocked Ohio State’s breakout star.

Nick Saban calls himself ‘dumb’ for keeping Julian Sayin on Alabama scout team
Image
Nick Saban and Kirk Herbstreit during ESPN's College GameDay at Vanderbilt University on October 25, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Carly Mackler/Getty Images)
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks with the media during Los Angeles Lakers Media Day at UCLA Health Training Center on September 29, 2025 in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Sayin completed 20 of 23 passes for 316 yards and four touchdowns in a 38-14 win, pushing No. 1 Ohio State to 8-0.
  • Sportsbooks moved Sayin to Heisman favorite status, with ESPN BET listing him at +175 as he leads the nation at roughly 81% completions.
  • ESPN tallied Sayin’s season line at 2,224 passing yards with 24 touchdowns against three interceptions in his first year as a starter.
  • On ESPN’s College GameDay, Nick Saban called himself a “dumbass” for keeping Sayin on Alabama’s scout team in 2023 and lauded his accuracy and judgment.
  • Receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate combined for 11 catches, 247 yards and three scores, including Smith’s viral one-handed TD that drew praise from LeBron James.