Ohio State QB Julian Sayin on Rivalry: Losing to Michigan ‘Becomes Your Livelihood’
Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin didn't need to play a single snap against Michigan to understand the weight of the rivalry. He felt it from the sideline in 2024 during a brutal home loss. Now, after leading the Buckeyes to a 27-9 win in Ann Arbor last November, he knows both sides of the coin.
In an interview with On3's Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman, Sayin opened up about what it's like to lose to the Wolverines and why he never wants to experience it again.
“It's definitely not a good feeling,” Sayin said. “I was fortunate enough to be on that team and watch that leadership, and those players rally back, and end up winning the national championship that year. But it's definitely not a feeling that you ever want to go through.”
That perspective shapes his approach as Ohio State prepares for the 2026 season. Sayin, known for his calm and soft-spoken demeanor, quickly learned that in Columbus, this game is more than a Saturday matchup. It dictates the mood of an entire state.
“You learn very quickly when you get here,” he said. “You learn the history of that game. You learn how important it is to this state and to this fan base. And it becomes your livelihood.”
How Sayin Handled the Pressure in Ann Arbor
On Nov. 29, 2025, Sayin walked into the Big House and helped Ohio State take control after a shaky start. He threw an early interception but settled down in snowy conditions that weren't quarterback-friendly. He finished with 233 passing yards and three touchdown passes as the Buckeyes handled Michigan 27-9.
“I think the team had kind of a great mindset going into it,” Sayin previously said on The Triple Option. “We weren't really feeling a ton of pressure. We know how much it means to the state of Ohio and our fanbase. But walking into that stadium, it was a ton of fun, and we had a bunch of juice. Off the bat, I threw the interception, then after that, I felt like we were just in control.”
That composure is what coaches and teammates praise. Sayin is now 1-0 as a starter against Michigan, and he gets another shot this season at home in Columbus.
Ohio State's 2026 Goals: Beat Michigan, Win Big Ten, Win National Title
When asked about the Buckeyes' goals for 2026, Sayin kept it simple.
“We definitely have goals,” he said. “We want to beat the team up north. We want to win the Big Ten championship. We want to win the national championship. So it's always those goals at Ohio State.”
That mirrors what head coach Ryan Day has emphasized: beat Michigan, win the Big Ten, win the whole thing. Day has talked about making Michigan week feel more normal, preparing like every other week, then playing the game like it means everything. It worked last season.
What This Means for Iowa Football Fans
For Iowa fans, this rivalry matters because the Hawkeyes face Ohio State this season. The Buckeyes have a loaded roster, and Sayin's leadership will be tested. Iowa's defense, known for its toughness, will look to disrupt Sayin's rhythm. But if his performance in Ann Arbor is any indication, he's ready for the challenge.
Sayin has no interest in learning what 1-1 feels like against Michigan. And judging by his comments, he doesn't need another reminder of how badly that loss can sting.