Ohio State May Be Close to Answering Texas’ Arch Manning Move With Julian Sayin at QB

In the ever-intensifying arms race that is college football recruiting, no position garners more attention, speculation, and scrutiny than quarterback. And for two of the sport’s biggest brands—Texas and Ohio State—the battle for supremacy at the position could be tilting in a new direction. As Texas leans into the Arch Manning era with high expectations, Ohio State may have found its counterpunch: Julian Sayin.

The five-star California native and former Alabama commit has landed in Columbus, and all signs point to Sayin being a central figure in the Buckeyes’ future. While Arch Manning’s star power has fueled headlines and NIL buzz in Austin, Sayin is quietly positioning himself to lead one of the most talent-rich rosters in the nation—and do so with a refined skillset that has NFL scouts already circling.

If things unfold the way many expect, Ohio State may have found the answer to Arch Manning—and in typical Buckeye fashion, they’ve done it with surgical precision and forward-thinking strategy.

Julian Sayin’s Journey: From Alabama to Columbus

Julian Sayin’s path to Ohio State has been anything but ordinary. A native of Carlsbad, California, Sayin was long considered one of the premier quarterback prospects in the 2024 recruiting class. He initially committed to Alabama in November 2022, choosing the Crimson Tide over Georgia and LSU. For a time, it looked like he would be the heir apparent to Jalen Milroe or Ty Simpson in Tuscaloosa.

But the winds shifted dramatically following Nick Saban’s retirement in January 2024. Sayin, enrolled early at Alabama, opted to hit the transfer portal just days into his first spring practice with the Crimson Tide. Ohio State, which had narrowly missed on signing Sayin out of high school, wasted no time seizing the opportunity.

Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly made a hard push, and within weeks, Sayin committed to the Buckeyes. It wasn’t just a big win—it was a statement.

The Buckeye Blueprint: Developing QBs for the NFL

What makes Ohio State such an attractive destination for top quarterback prospects is its proven track record. Under Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have become a quarterback factory. Justin Fields blossomed in Day’s system and became a first-round NFL Draft pick. C.J. Stroud took it a step further, emerging as a Heisman finalist and becoming the second overall pick by the Houston Texans. In his rookie year, Stroud shattered expectations and is already being touted as a future MVP candidate.

That development pipeline is a major draw—and it was likely a key reason Sayin chose Ohio State over USC, Oregon, and others.

Julian Sayin’s game fits the Buckeye mold to perfection. He’s a cerebral passer with elite touch, mechanics, and poise. He processes defenses quickly and throws with timing and anticipation. While he may not be the most physically imposing quarterback in the 2024 class, his ability to layer throws and make decisions under pressure sets him apart.

Ohio State knows what it has in Sayin. And while the quarterback room is crowded—with Devin Brown, Lincoln Kienholz, and Air Noland all vying for snaps—Sayin’s arrival has electrified the Buckeye faithful and intensified the competition.

Texas’ Bet on Arch Manning

Meanwhile, in Austin, the Arch Manning experiment is reaching its critical juncture. The former No. 1 overall recruit—and nephew of Peyton and Eli—has spent the past two seasons learning behind Quinn Ewers. Now, with Ewers entering what could be his final collegiate season, the pressure is mounting.

Manning is more than just a football player; he’s a brand. His commitment to Texas in 2022 flipped the narrative around the Longhorns’ recruiting efforts. It gave head coach Steve Sarkisian a generational talent to build around and served as a beacon for elite offensive skill players.

Yet as the Manning name draws attention, the expectations are sky-high. Texas is transitioning into the SEC, where the margin for error is razor-thin. The Longhorns need production—not just pedigree—at quarterback.

So far, reports out of Austin suggest that Manning’s development is on schedule. He’s added muscle, improved his arm strength, and become more vocal in the locker room. But questions remain about how he’ll handle SEC defenses and the immense scrutiny that comes with being a Manning.

A Clash of QB Philosophies

While Texas and Ohio State are both blue-blood programs, their approach to quarterback development diverges in notable ways.

Texas has leaned into the celebrity element of recruiting—using Manning’s brand to galvanize support, attract NIL deals, and re-establish itself on the national stage. Sarkisian, an elite play-caller, has built a scheme that accentuates quarterback play with spread concepts and vertical shots. The Longhorns want explosiveness and swagger.

Ohio State, on the other hand, operates more like a quarterback think tank. Ryan Day’s offense is built on precision, rhythm, and progression reads. It’s less about flash and more about function. The Buckeyes want their quarterbacks to be distributors, not stars.

That contrast makes the Sayin vs. Manning discussion all the more fascinating. While Arch may have more national name recognition, Sayin is viewed by many insiders as the more “NFL-ready” prospect. His ability to command an offense, manipulate safeties with his eyes, and throw receivers open has evaluators intrigued.

Sayin and the Loaded Ohio State Roster

If Sayin does rise to the top of Ohio State’s depth chart in the next year or two, he’ll do so surrounded by elite talent. The Buckeyes have arguably the best wide receiver room in the country—again. Brandon Inniss, Carnell Tate, and Jeremiah Smith are future first-rounders. The offensive line, bolstered by recent blue-chip additions, is stout. And with TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins in the backfield, the weapons around Sayin are nothing short of elite.

This is the kind of environment that breeds success at quarterback. Ohio State doesn’t need Sayin to be a hero—they need him to be efficient, decisive, and accurate. His game is tailor-made for that role.

Even if he doesn’t start in 2025, Sayin will likely be groomed for a takeover in 2026. Given the current construction of the roster, that could line up with a serious national championship run.

What’s at Stake?

For both programs, the quarterback position will define the next three to five years. In the playoff-rich, NIL-fueled modern era, having the right guy under center can make or break a dynasty.

If Arch Manning lives up to his name, Texas could become a perennial contender in the SEC. If Julian Sayin delivers on his potential, Ohio State may maintain its status as the gold standard of quarterback development—and possibly return to the mountaintop of college football.

There’s also the looming NFL conversation. Quarterbacks like Caleb Williams and Drake Maye set the bar for what elite prospects should look like. Both Manning and Sayin have the tools to enter that echelon—but only one will likely do it first.

Their individual success will also reflect on their respective programs. If Manning flames out or fails to develop, the media storm in Austin could be overwhelming. If Sayin thrives, it would further validate Ryan Day and Chip Kelly’s system, even amid critics who have questioned Day’s postseason results.

The Rivalry Beyond the Field

Texas and Ohio State don’t meet on the field regularly. But in today’s world of NIL bidding wars, recruiting clashes, and transfer portal raids, the battlefield has expanded.

Both schools are positioning themselves to be dominant brands in a rapidly changing college football landscape. Arch Manning and Julian Sayin are now central characters in that story.

The Longhorns have already seen a surge in national relevance thanks to Manning’s commitment, their win over Alabama in 2023, and their College Football Playoff appearance. They’re ready to challenge SEC powers like Georgia and LSU.

Ohio State, long entrenched atop the Big Ten, now has to deal with new powerhouses in Michigan, USC, and Oregon. The addition of Sayin might be the edge they need in a crowded, ultra-competitive environment.

Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond

Whether Sayin or Manning gets the first shot at a starting role remains to be seen, but both are likely to become household names by 2026. The 2025 season could serve as a transitional period—with each quarterback potentially waiting behind a veteran—but 2026 may be the true coming-out party.

At that point, it’s entirely possible that Sayin and Manning will be battling not just for college dominance, but also positioning in the 2027 NFL Draft. Early mock drafts already feature both names, with Sayin’s polish and mechanics appealing to pro scouts and Manning’s upside and legacy impossible to ignore.

And if fate allows for it, perhaps a postseason showdown awaits—Texas vs. Ohio State in a future College Football Playoff. Manning vs. Sayin, not just as symbols of their schools, but as players who define an era.

Ohio State may not always make the biggest headlines in recruiting, but the Buckeyes always make the smartest moves. Securing Julian Sayin—especially in the wake of Alabama’s upheaval—was a savvy, timely coup. And while Arch Manning may be the most famous quarterback in the country, Julian Sayin may ultimately be the most effective.

Texas made a power play. Ohio State just might have answered it.