As a redshirt freshman, quarterback Julian Sayin made an immediate impact for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He faced high expectations, replacing Will Howard, who had led the Buckeyes to a 14-2 record and national championship title the season prior.
He lived up to the hype, though, becoming a Heisman Trophy finalist and earning second-team All-Big Ten honors while leading Ohio State to a College Football Playoff appearance. However, he is now expected to keep the momentum going into next season.
ESPN analyst Greg McElroyput Sayin at No. 1 in his top 10 quarterback rankings before the 2026 college football season.
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However, McElroy admitted that there is another quarterback who could outperform the Buckeyes' signal caller. At No. 2 in his rankings was Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore, whom the analyst believes has the chance to outplay Sayin.
"I think Dante Moore might outplay Julian Sayin this year," McElroy said. "I still don't know if he'll have enough to win the Heisman Trophy. You know, I look at Moore's numbers, he might throw up 3,400 yards and put up 35 touchdowns on an offense that averages 40 points a game. He could be the most dynamic quarterback in college football by October. He is number two in college football at quarterback for me."
In his first year as Oregon's starter, Moore threw for 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 156 yards and two touchdowns while leading the Ducks to the Peach Bowl, losing to the Indiana Hoosiers.
After already putting up solid numbers, Oregon has continued to surround him with talent. Dan Lanning and his staff brought in multiple receiver threats via the transfer portal, including tight end Markus Dixon (Clemson Tigers), tight end Andrew Olesh (Penn State Nittany Lions and wide receiver Iverson Hooks (UAB Blazers).
Both Oregon and Ohio State face high expectations entering the 2026 season. The Buckeyes have the best odds (+175) to win the Big Ten, while the Ducks have the third-best (+270), per DraftKings. Sayin and Moore's performances on the field could be the biggest factor in who comes out on top.
