COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio State quarterback room is quite crowded going into the 2024 season but one name that is starting to stand out is freshman Julian Sayin.
The Alabama transfer became the second freshman this year to lose his black stripe after just nine practices.
Head coach Ryan Day had high praise for Sayin while speaking at a press conference ahead of the 2024 spring game.
"He's been in there and competing and he's making plays. The guys know. A lot of times with the black stripe, a lot of times with the players. They know. They see it. A guy makes a play or shows up over an extended period of time. Nine practices in, you can see he was making a lot of throws in big spots, even against the ones. The play speaks for itself," Day said.
New players wear a black stripe down the middle of their helmet, blocking the scarlet stripe. The black stripe is only removed once the player has proven he has bought into the program, has earned the respect of the team and has officially earned the right to be called a Buckeye.
It seems like it will be a while before Day names a starting quarterback. Day said he hasn't narrowed it down yet but he is seeing some separation amongst the quarterbacks. When asked if Sayin is in the competition to land the starting job, Day said he is "in the mix."
"Julian has been competing his tail off. He will continue to do that and he has a really bright future," Day said.
Day said the plan for the spring game is to give all the quarterbacks a chance to make plays.
"We're gonna try to create some situations for all those guys to get reps. We'll roll it and try to get as many reps as they possibly can and go from there," Day said.
The spring game is scheduled for noon on April 13 at Ohio Stadium.
