Ohio State signal-caller Julian Sayin got a harsh welcome to "The Game," throwing an interception on Ohio State's first drive of the game. But, after that, he and the Buckeyes offense put on a dominant effort, and by the end, Ohio State defeated its arch rivals for the first time in over 2,000 days.
In the dominant 27-9 win, Sayin threw for 233 yards, three touchdowns and an interception, including three straight scoring drives to end the first half as Ohio State led 17-9. In the third quarter, he found Carnell Tate deep downfield for a 50-yard touchdown, and the lead stayed multiple possessions.
Sayin has been considered a Heisman finalist, and after today's performance, he might be able to book a plane ticket to New York. Here's more on his big day as Ohio State finished an undefeated regular season.
MORE: Ohio State dominates Michigan to get first win over rival since 2019
Julian Sayin stats vs. Michigan
- Completions: 19
- Attempts: 26
- Passing yards: 233
- Passing TDs: 3
- Rushing yards: 7
- Rushing TDs: 0
Sayin, who leads the nation in completion percentage, put up another huge game as the Buckeyes clinched a Big Ten Championship berth. For the second straight week, he had two straight touchdowns.
Julian Sayin highlights vs Michigan
Sayin had a tough start to the day, getting intercepted on his second pass of the game.
SAYIN IS PICKED OFF 😱@UMichFootball pic.twitter.com/aMfFghwvlK
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 29, 2025
His first touchdown of the game was a good one, hitting the best wide receiver in America, Jeremiah Smith. On 4th & 5, Sayin hit Smith in stride as the Buckeyes took a 10-6 lead, and they never gave it back.
SAYIN TO JEREMIAH SMITH FOR THE TOUCHDOWN @OhioStateFB takes the lead 🔥 pic.twitter.com/RG18zeI9uq
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 29, 2025
The next drive, Sayin led an 11-play, 87-yard drive, which ended in a touchdown to Brandon Innniss on third down.
INNISS TAKES IT IN FOR THE TD 🔥@OhioStateFB adds on another just before the half @ATTBusiness pic.twitter.com/CrC3xuqeDk
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 29, 2025
Then, with Ohio State up 17-9 in the third, Sayin hit the home run to Ohio State. This time, it went to the other superstar wideout, Carnell Tate, for a 50-yard score.
HOME. RUN. HITTER.
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 29, 2025
Carnell Tate hauls it in for @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/eQbICogClp
By the end, Ohio State beat Michigan, 27-9, for the first time since 2019.
MORE: When is Jeremiah Smith NFL Draft eligible?
Julian Sayin regular season stats
Sayin caps off an excellent regular season where he emerged as one of the best signal callers in college football. In year one as the Buckeyes starter, he sets the college football completion percentage record, breaking Bo Nix's 2023 total.
| Date | Opponent | Cmp | Att | Pct | Yards | TDs | INTs |
| 8/30/2025 | vs. Texas | 13 | 20 | 65.0% | 126 | 1 | 0 |
| 9/6/2025 | vs. Grambling | 18 | 19 | 94.7% | 306 | 4 | 1 |
| 9/13/2025 | vs. Ohio | 25 | 32 | 78.1% | 347 | 3 | 2 |
| 9/27/2025 | @ Washington | 22 | 28 | 78.6% | 208 | 2 | 0 |
| 10/4/2025 | vs. Minnesota | 23 | 27 | 85.2% | 326 | 3 | 0 |
| 10/11/2025 | @ Illinois | 19 | 27 | 70.4% | 166 | 2 | 0 |
| 10/18/2025 | @ Wisconsin | 36 | 42 | 85.7% | 393 | 4 | 0 |
| 11/1/2025 | vs. Penn State | 20 | 23 | 87.0% | 316 | 4 | 0 |
| 11/8/2025 | @ Purdue | 27 | 33 | 81.8% | 303 | 1 | 1 |
| 11/15/2025 | vs. UCLA | 23 | 31 | 74.2% | 184 | 1 | 0 |
| 11/22/2025 | vs. Rutgers | 13 | 19 | 68.4% | 157 | 2 | 0 |
| 11/29/2025 | @ Michigan | 19 | 26 | 73.1% | 233 | 3 | 1 |
| Final Regular Season Totals | 258 | 327 | 78.9% | 3,065 | 30 | 5 |
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