Is Julian Sayin Capable of Running the Ball?

Will Julian Sayin Run More in 2026? Ohio State QB Run Game Debate | Buckeye Weekly

On the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hosts Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr respond to a listener question about Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin using his legs and whether Ryan Day might force a “square peg into a round hole.” They argue the goal isn’t to build the offense around quarterback runs, but to create an implied threat—occasional scrambles or keeps on reads—to make defenses account for the QB and help the run game. They discuss how a few key runs, like Carson Beck’s against Ohio State, can swing outcomes, and note Sayin is mobile enough to pick up critical first downs without being a power runner. They also touch on sacks impacting rushing totals, suggest more run reads and selective early-season reps, and speculate on a season-high carries over/under around five.

00:00 Weekend Mailbag Intro
00:56 Julian Legs Concern
02:27 Threat Not Feature
05:08 Carson Beck Example
10:09 More Reads RPOs
11:51 Arthur Smith Run Game
13:19 Carries Over Under
15:00 Wrap Up Subscribe