Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin sat quietly at his table Friday afternoon in New York with a single reporter asking questions. A striking contrast to the buzz surrounding the other Heisman Trophy finalists.
While Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia and Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza fielded a steady stream of questions during their pre-ceremony media availabilities, Sayin's Big Apple experience was different. The scene showed how little attention the Buckeyes’ signal-caller has drawn heading into Saturday night’s announcement.
Despite the lack of spotlight, Sayin has built a strong case. In his first full season as Ohio State’s starter, he threw for 3,323 yards, 31 touchdowns and six interceptions in 13 games. He helped guide the Buckeyes to a 12-0 regular season before a loss to Indiana in the Big Ten championship game.
Fuel for Julian Sayin ✍️
— Bleacher Report CFB (@BR_CFB) December 13, 2025
(via @yahoosports) #heisman #cfb #CollegeFootball pic.twitter.com/j9PVWt0TOs
Sayin took over after Will Howard led Ohio State to the national title last season and is now tasked with pushing the program toward a repeat run. The Buckeyes earned the No. 2 overall seed in the College Football Playoff and a bye to the quarterfinals.
Ohio State will play in the Cotton Bowl Classic on Dec. 31 against the winner of Miami and Texas A&M. Before that, Sayin will wait to see whether his quiet night in Lower Manhattan ends with college football’s most prestigious individual award.
The Heisman Trophy ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN and will honor college football’s most outstanding player. This year’s finalists are Pavia, Mendoza, Sayin and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.
More college football news:
- Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
- Virginia Tech reportedly funding roster near top of ACC for James Franklin
- Leaked NSFW audio exposes Penn State AD Pat Kraft’s identity crisis in Happy Valley
- Diego Pavia asks Donald Trump to fix the College Football Playoff