Julian Sayin, the quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes, has kicked off the 2025 season with remarkable performance. Through seven games, the redshirt freshman has topped the FBS with an 80% pass completion rate, amassing 1,872 yards and 19 touchdowns while throwing only three interceptions.

After playing a reserve role during the Buckeyes’ national championship campaign last season, Sayin has stepped into the spotlight in his second year with the team.

Guided by head coach Ryan Day, Sayin has propelled Ohio State to an undefeated 7-0 record, securing the No. 1 spot in the AP Top 25 rankings.

Hailing from Carlsbad High School in California, Sayin was a five-star recruit and ranked as the No. 2 quarterback in the 2024 class, per Rivals.

Thanks to his outstanding stats and leadership on the field this season, Sayin has climbed to third in the Heisman Trophy odds, with BetMGM listing his chances at +400. Sayin’s exceptional play has also put him in contention for other major college football awards.

On Thursday, Ohio State shared that he earned a spot on a notable award’s watch list.

“QB1 @juliansayin2 earns Manning award Watch List,” the caption read.

Sponsored by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, the Manning Award has honored the nation’s top quarterback annually since 2004. It is named in tribute to former Ole Miss standout Archie Manning and his sons, Eli and Peyton.

Sayin was among 22 players added to the Manning Award watch list on Thursday. Should he claim the award this season, he would make history as the first Ohio State and Big Ten quarterback to do so. The Oregon Ducks’ Marcus Mariota, who won in 2014 before Oregon joined the Big Ten, is the closest precedent.

The Manning Award finalists will be revealed on Dec. 4, with the winner announced following the College Football Playoff National Championship in January.

Sayin and the Buckeyes have a bye week before facing the Penn State Nittany Lions on Nov. 1 at noon ET on Fox.