Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is facing a quarterback dilemma that just got a lot more complicated. Julian Sayin, the highly touted quarterback recruit, has a $1 million problem that could impact his eligibility to play for the Buckeyes.
According to reports, Sayin’s family has been involved in a complex financial situation that has raised eyebrows among NCAA officials. The issue centers around a $1 million payment that was made to Sayin’s family by a third-party entity, which has sparked concerns about potential recruiting violations.
The NCAA has been investigating the matter, and Sayin’s eligibility to play for Ohio State is now in question. Day and the Buckeyes’ coaching staff are facing a difficult decision: do they risk playing Sayin and potentially facing penalties, or do they err on the side of caution and sit him out?
“We’re aware of the situation and are working closely with the NCAA to resolve the issue,” Day said in a statement. “We’re committed to doing things the right way and ensuring that our program is in compliance with all NCAA regulations.”
The timing of the news couldn’t be worse for Ohio State. The Buckeyes are already facing a quarterback dilemma, with incumbent starter C.J. Stroud entering the NFL draft and a host of young quarterbacks vying for the starting job.
Sayin, a 5-star recruit from California, was considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2025 recruiting class. He had been expected to compete for the starting job at Ohio State, but now his eligibility is in question.
The NCAA’s investigation into Sayin’s family’s financial situation is ongoing, and it’s unclear when a decision will be made about his eligibility. In the meantime, Day and the Buckeyes’ coaching staff are facing a difficult decision: do they risk playing Sayin and potentially facing penalties, or do they err on the side of caution and sit him out?
“We’re going to do what’s best for the program and for Julian,” Day said. “We’ll work closely with the NCAA and make a decision that’s in the best interest of everyone involved.”
The situation is a reminder of the complex and often murky world of college football recruiting. The NCAA’s rules and regulations are in place to ensure fairness and prevent recruiting violations, but they can also create difficult situations like the one facing Sayin and Ohio State.
As the investigation continues, Day and the Buckeyes’ coaching staff are facing a difficult decision. They must weigh the potential benefits of playing Sayin against the potential risks of facing penalties and damaging the program’s reputation.
Ultimately, the decision will depend on the outcome of the NCAA’s investigation and the specific circumstances surrounding Sayin’s family’s financial situation. One thing is certain, however: the situation has added a new layer of complexity to Ohio State’s quarterback dilemma.