ESPN ranks Ohio State's Julian Sayin as top Power Four QB before key stretch

Jeff Hauser

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ESPN ranks Ohio State's Julian Sayin as top Power Four QB before key stretch image

With two months gone in the college football season, there are many takeaway from what we've watched thus far. Texas' Arch Manning came into the season at the preseason Heisman Trophy favorite. But that feels like an eternity ago. 

Now that Ohio State has sat at No. 1 in the rankings since the 14-7 win over Texas, what can you say about the consistency of Julian Sayin. The Buckeyes passer has been near flawless and came in at No. 1 on ESPN's reshuffle of the QB rankings. 

Here's Bill Connelly's assessment for Sayin's play thus far. 

"It's always hard to grade the guys who have the best supporting cast," Connelly noted. "Alabama's Mac Jones produced the best Total QBR of the decade in 2020 but lost the Heisman vote to one of his teammates, and if star receiver Jeremiah Smith continues to produce as he has of late (past two games: 16 catches, 260 yards, three touchdowns) he might prevent Sayin from winning the award as well. But as Ohio State has opened up the playbook and asked more of Sayin, he has responded with near perfection. He's first in the nation in Total QBR, completion rate (80.9%) and success rate* (62.0%)

"Even with Smith and other star-caliber players at his disposal, his accuracy is incredible. This pass placement map has about as tight a radius as you'll ever see, even if some away-from-the-body catches also prove the awesomeness of his receivers."

That's high praise for one of the true Heisman candidates. We'll see how OSU plays down the stretch with a finale against Michigan, and the impending Big Ten title game showdown projected with Indiana. 

Sayin and the Buckeyes need to get there first. However, there is a lot to look forward to in Columbus this year and beyond. 

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Editorial Team