Ohio State QB Julian Sayin Showcases Improved Mobility in Spring Game

Sayin's running ability could be a key X-factor for the Buckeyes in 2026 season

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:40pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football quarterback in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of scarlet and gray colors representing Ohio State's uniform colors.Ohio State's Julian Sayin showcases his evolved playmaking abilities with a dynamic touchdown run in the team's spring game.Columbus Today

Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin demonstrated his offseason development as a playmaker during the team's spring game, showcasing improved mobility and running ability. With the Buckeyes' offensive line dealing with injuries, Sayin was able to make plays with his legs, including a touchdown run, highlighting a facet of his game that will be crucial for Ohio State's success in the 2026 season.

Why it matters

Sayin's running ability has been identified as a key X-factor for the Buckeyes this offseason. As an experienced quarterback, he needs to evolve into a problem-solver who can elevate the team when needed, similar to quarterbacks like Indiana's Fernando Mendoza and Miami's Carson Beck who beat Ohio State last season. The spring game provided an opportunity for Sayin to demonstrate his progress in this area.

The details

With Ohio State's offensive line missing projected starters Austin Siereveld and Phillip Daniels due to offseason surgeries, the spring game allowed other linemen like Ian Moore, Carter Lowe, Sam Greer, and Gabe VanSickle to get valuable reps with the starters. This also forced Sayin to showcase his development as a playmaker, which he did with a touchdown run on his second drive.

  • The spring game took place on April 18, 2026.

The players

Julian Sayin

Ohio State's starting quarterback, who is looking to evolve his game and become more of a playmaker in his experienced 2026 season.

Ryan Day

Ohio State's head coach, who has identified Sayin's running ability as a key X-factor for the team this offseason.

Austin Siereveld

Ohio State offensive lineman who was out with an offseason lower-body surgery.

Phillip Daniels

Ohio State offensive lineman who was out with an offseason lower-body surgery.

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What they’re saying

“Sayin's legs need to matter in 2026. Head coach Ryan Day has called it the X-factor numerous times over the past few months for a reason.”

— Stephen Means, Author

What’s next

As long as Siereveld and Daniels are back to full strength by the time fall camp starts, their absence during the spring game can only be looked at with optimism, as it allowed other linemen to gain valuable experience.

The takeaway

Sayin's improved mobility and running ability showcased in the spring game could be a crucial X-factor for Ohio State's offense in the 2026 season, as the Buckeyes look to bounce back from losses to quarterbacks like Mendoza and Beck who were able to elevate their teams with their playmaking skills.