Ohio State has a Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year semifinalist for the second straight season.
One season after Jeremiah Smith finished as a runner-up to Texas defensive end Colin Simmons for the National Freshman of the Year honors, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin has been named one of 14 semifinalists for the award named after former Alabama All-American running back Shaun Alexander.
Sayin has not only been one of the best freshmen in college football in 2025, but one of the best players overall. Following a 316-yard, four-touchdown performance in Ohio State's win over Penn State, Sayin became the odds-on favorite to win the Heisman Trophy on FanDuel Sportsbook at +150. The redshirt freshman signal-caller ranks ahead of Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (+240) and Alabama's Ty Simpson (+390) entering Week 11. Smith has the sixth-best odds at +4000.
While leading Ohio State to an 8-0 start to the season, Sayin has completed 176 of 218 passes for 2,188 yards, 23 touchdowns and three interceptions. Sayin's 80.7% completion rate leads the nation, as does his 197.1 passer rating. He also ranks third in touchdown passes, third in yards per completion (tied with Florida State's Tommy Castellanos) and 19th in passing yards.
