COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football’s Julian Sayin was named a finalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award on Wednesday.

The redshirt freshman quarterback is in his first season as the Buckeyes’ starter. He’s thrown for 3,065 yards, 30 touchdowns and five interceptions this year.

Sayin is one of five finalists for the award, joining Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr, North Texas quarterback Drew Mestemaker, Alabama cornerback Dijon Lee Jr. and Miami receiver Malachi Toney.

Since its inception in 2018, the award has never gone to a Buckeye, though safety Caleb Downs won it at Alabama in 2023 before transferring to Ohio State.

The award’s presentation to Texas defensive end Colin Simmons was debated last season as he beat out OSU receiver Jeremiah Smith.

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