Julian Sayin’s first season as Ohio State’s starting quarterback has been nothing short of sensational.
Leading the Buckeyes to an undefeated record, the freshman standout has not only dominated on the field but also off it, where his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) valuation has skyrocketed.
According to On3, Sayin’s NIL worth recently surged by $793,000 in just ten weeks, bringing his total valuation to a staggering $2 million — a 64% jump that cements his place among college football’s most marketable athletes.
A Meteoric NIL Rise
The 19-year-old quarterback’s steady composure and explosive performances have translated into tangible business success.
Earlier this year, On3’s Pete Nakos reported that Sayin would make roughly $1.5 million during his debut season — a figure that has since grown substantially thanks to his expanding endorsement portfolio.
Sayin is currently ranked No. 20 in the On3 NIL 100 — a list that tracks the most valuable college athletes by brand worth — with Arch Manning holding the top position at $4.7 million.
Sayin’s valuation places him among the sport’s elite, reflecting both his on-field potential and his commercial appeal as the new face of Ohio State football.
Strategic Endorsements and Partnerships
Sayin’s financial growth has been fueled by a series of well-aligned partnerships. He signed early with The Foundation Collective, the Ohio State-driven NIL group that also represents stars like Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs.
His first major endorsement came from Panini America, where he inked a multi-year deal with the renowned sports collectibles brand.
In September, Sayin partnered with Thrive, a housing community in Columbus, sharing the collaboration on Instagram with a message highlighting its convenience and accessibility for local residents.
Just weeks later, he announced another partnership — this time with Giant Eagle and the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation — to promote a limited-edition snack flavor.
The “Hot Honey BBQ” chips not only showcased Sayin’s personality but also contributed to charity, with proceeds benefiting the hospital’s burn center.
These endorsements demonstrate the young quarterback’s growing business acumen — pairing personal branding with philanthropy and authenticity.
Dominating on the Field
While his NIL growth has been remarkable, it’s Sayin’s performance under center that has truly fueled his rise. Through his first several starts, the Buckeyes quarterback has racked up 19 touchdowns and an 88.4 QB rating, guiding Ohio State through an undefeated campaign.
His precision was on full display during the team’s 34-0 rout of Wisconsin, where he completed 36 of 42 passes for 393 yards and four touchdowns.
That performance earned him Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors, adding to a growing list of accolades — including three Big Ten Freshman of the Week awards, one Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week title, and multiple Davey O’Brien “Great 8” recognitions.
Even former Buckeyes and analysts have taken notice. ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit and Joey Galloway both mentioned Sayin as a legitimate Heisman contender, while OSU legend Bobby Carpenter called his Wisconsin performance “as flawless a game as you’re going to get.”
Heisman Hype Intensifies
As the regular season continues, Sayin’s Heisman momentum is undeniable. BetMGM currently lists him at +400 odds, trailing only Alabama’s Ty Simpson and Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza.
His consistent composure, accuracy, and leadership have turned him into a defining force for Ohio State’s offense — and a fan favorite across college football.
If Sayin continues at his current pace, he could not only bring the Buckeyes a playoff berth but also become one of the youngest players to seriously challenge for the Heisman Trophy in recent memory.
A Star Built for the Modern Game
Julian Sayin’s story is a blueprint for the modern college athlete — equal parts athletic excellence, media savvy, and strategic branding. Guided by humility and hard work, he credits his success to family, coaches, and years of preparation alongside his brother Aidan, a former Penn State quarterback.
“I’ve worked hard to get here,” Sayin told On3. “My coaches have worked hard to prepare me for this moment. My family has prepared me.”
With millions in NIL value, national attention, and the Heisman conversation heating up, Julian Sayin is not just Ohio State’s breakout star — he’s shaping up to be one of college football’s defining figures of 2025.