Ohio State has a Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year semifinalist for the second straight season.
One season after Jeremiah Smith finished as a runner-up to Texas defensive end Colin Simmons for the National Freshman of the Year honors, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin has been named one of 14 semifinalists for the award named after former Alabama All-American running back Shaun Alexander.
Sayin has not only been one of the best freshmen in college football in 2025, but one of the best players overall. Following a 316-yard, four-touchdown performance in Ohio State's win over Penn State, Sayin became the odds-on favorite to win the Heisman Trophy on FanDuel Sportsbook at +150.