Big news for Ohio State football—two of its top players just landed on the Big Ten’s much-watched 12-man preseason honors list. The list dropped Tuesday, and it features quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
Every year, this list gets a lot of buzz. It’s not exactly an “All-Big Ten team,” but more like a handpicked collection of the 12 best players in the conference, no matter what position they play.
Ohio State’s Standout Players
Julian Sayin, a talented quarterback, and Jeremiah Smith, a dynamic wide receiver, both got recognized for their standout skills. Sayin was named the conference’s first-team quarterback, which says a lot about his leadership and how he runs the offense.
Smith picked up honors as a top wide receiver and even snagged the preseason Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year title. These nods really show how much Ohio State is counting on them this season.
Julian Sayin: Leading the Offense
Sayin being picked as first-team quarterback? That’s a big deal. It shows just how much faith people have in what he can do under center.
He’s expected to steer the Buckeyes through a pretty tough schedule. Everyone will be watching how he reads defenses and makes decisions, but honestly, landing on this list suggests he’s got what it takes.
Jeremiah Smith: Offensive Powerhouse
Smith’s double recognition—top receiver and preseason Offensive Player of the Year—pretty much says it all. He’s got a knack for getting open, pulling off tough catches, and making a real difference for the offense.
There’s also this connection between Smith and Sayin that could be something special. A strong QB-receiver duo can be a game changer, and, well, these two might just be it for Ohio State this year.
Big Ten Preseason Honors List: A Diverse Group
The Big Ten preseason honors list is actually a mix of talent from all over the conference. Here’s who made the cut:
- Charlie Becker, Wide Receiver, Indiana
- Rolijah Hardy, Linebacker, Indiana
- Tyrique Tucker, Defensive Lineman, Indiana
- Kade Pieper, Offensive Lineman, Iowa
- Anthony Smith, Defensive Lineman, Minnesota
- Dante Moore, Quarterback, Oregon
- Koi Perich, Defensive Back, Oregon
- Jayden Maiava, Quarterback, USC
- KJ Duff, Wide Receiver, Rutgers
- Antwan Raymond, Running Back, Rutgers
Indiana stands out with three players on the list, which is impressive. Players from Iowa, Minnesota, Oregon, USC, and Rutgers round out the group, showing just how deep the Big Ten talent pool is.
Indiana’s Strong Representation
Indiana really made a splash this year. Charlie Becker, Tyrique Tucker, and Rolijah Hardy all earned spots, making them a trio to watch for the Hoosiers.
It’s a sign that Indiana’s program is on the rise, at least in terms of individual talent. Not bad at all.
Other Notable Selections
You’ve got Cade Pieper from Iowa and Anthony Smith from Minnesota—both solid picks. There are also a couple more quarterbacks in the mix: Dante Moore for Oregon and Jayden Maiava for USC.
Quarterbacks always seem to shape the season, don’t they? This year looks like it’ll be no different.
Ohio State’s Recruiting Success and Challenges
Recruiting’s been a bit of a rollercoaster for Ohio State lately. On the plus side, the Buckeyes landed some big names for both their offensive and defensive lines—Caden Moss, Jimmy Kalis, DJ Jacobs, and Marcus Fakatou are all coming in.
But not everything went their way. Five-star running back David Gabriel Georges chose Tennessee instead, despite Ohio State putting in a ton of work and building a good relationship through coach Carlos Locklyn.
Money talks, apparently. Georges’ decision came down to financial incentives, which is just part of the game these days.
Ohio State’s Recruiting Philosophy
Ohio State tries to keep things balanced when it comes to recruiting. They want to value players fairly and not go overboard financially, even if it means missing out on a few top prospects.
It’s a long-term play—they’re aiming for a strong roster without breaking the bank. Sometimes that means tough choices, but it’s probably the smart move in the long run.
Coach Ryan Day’s Perspective
Head coach Ryan Day talked to Bucknuts about the ups and downs of recruiting in today’s landscape. He admitted it’s tough to miss out on a player after investing so much time, but he stands by the program’s principles.
Day gets that money is a huge factor for recruits now. Still, he’s sticking to what he believes in, hoping it pays off for Ohio State as they build for the future.
Looking Ahead to the Season
Big Ten football is almost here, and honestly, there’s a buzz around the preseason honors list. For Ohio State fans, all eyes are locked on Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith.
Both players carry a lot of hope for the Buckeyes. Their recognition isn’t just a nice headline—it hints at the kind of impact they might have this fall.
Ohio State’s roster looks strong. The recruiting machine keeps humming, and that’s helped set them up to handle whatever the season throws at them.
The Big Ten won’t make it easy, though. The conference is stacked, so the Buckeyes will have to count on their stars and some smart game plans.
If you want to dig deeper into Ohio State’s preseason honors and recruiting, check out the full article on 247Sports.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
