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“I think Julian’s that guy": Denzel Burke dishes out thoughts on potential starting QB Julian Sayin

Spencer-Holbrookby: Spencer Holbrook02/27/25SpencerHolbrook
Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz
Ohio State quarterbacks Julian Sayin (right) and Lincoln Kienholz (left) (© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

INDIANAPOLIS — Now-former Ohio State cornerback Denzel Burke has carved out a name as most honest player to come through the program in years. So when he speaks, it’s wise to listen, because he doesn’t hold back.

So when Burke was asked about his impressions of Julian Sayin, the former five-star recruit who will battle for the Buckeyes starting quarterback job this spring, he didn’t keep himself from shoveling coal into the hype train.

“I think Julian’s that guy, to be honest with you,” Burke said before complimenting Buckeyes quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, too, then pivoting quickly back to Sayin. “Julian is a great player. Great zip on the ball, great pocket presence. He’s going to have a good career.”

Burke went even further in his praise for Sayin, who transferred to Ohio State after just a couple of weeks at Alabama following his signing with the Crimson Tide out of high school — and then the sudden retirement of Nick Saban.

For Burke, he quickly learned how good Sayin can be in the future as the quarterback at Ohio State.

“A couple practices in when he first got here, just the way he’s throwing the ball, how he’s himself, how he’s all about ball. I could just tell.”

Burke started to draw a comparison for Sayin before stopping himself, saying “I ain’t gonna say that.” But Burke has only seen a few quarterbacks at Ohio State, most notably former five-star prospect and eventual No. 2 pick in the NFL Draft C.J. Stroud.

The now-former Buckeyes four-year starter at cornerback will save the comparisons for his own thinking and for anyone else who wants to draw them.

The bottom line: the most honest player in recent Ohio State memory has full belief in Julian Sayin as a potential star for the Buckeyes quarterback position. That should mean something.

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