The fiery statement attributed to Ohio State legend Archie Griffin, defending 20-year-old quarterback Julian Sayin amid intense scrutiny, has captured the attention of Buckeye Nation just as the team prepares for the next phase of the 2025 College Football Playoff.

Posted widely across social media and fan forums on December 27, 2025, the quote portrays Griffin as passionately shielding the young signal-caller from harsh criticism: “What’s happening to him is a crime against football — a blatant betrayal of everything this sport stands for.

How can people be so cruel? Criticizing a 20-year-old quarterback who has stepped into enormous expectations, carries the weight of this entire program, shows up every single week, gives everything he has, never asks for attention, never blames anyone — and just tries to win for Ohio State? To me, Julian Sayin represents everything Ohio State football is about — toughness, discipline, leadership, and heart.

And instead of tearing him down every time the team faces adversity, people should be standing behind him, believing in him, and letting him grow into the player he’s capable of becoming.”

While the exact wording of this dramatic declaration does not appear in any verified interviews or official statements from Griffin as of late December 2025, it echoes the spirit of his real praise for Sayin.

In a mid-December appearance on an ESPN awards show, the two-time Heisman Trophy winner (1974 and 1975) commended the redshirt freshman quarterback, saying, “Julian Sayin has done a terrific job there as a young quarterback.

I like him.” Griffin highlighted Sayin’s contributions alongside running back Bo Jackson (a nod to the program’s storied backfield talent) and expressed optimism about Ohio State’s continued success in the expanded playoff format.

The comment came during a reflective discussion on his own legacy as the only player to win the Heisman twice and his deep connection to Ohio State.

Sayin’s 2025 season has been nothing short of historic for a first-year starter. Transferring from Alabama after Nick Saban’s retirement and initially enrolling early with the Crimson Tide, the Carlsbad, California native quickly earned the starting role at Ohio State following Will Howard’s departure to the NFL.

Named starter on August 18, 2025, Sayin guided the Buckeyes to a flawless 12-0 regular season, including a long-awaited victory over Michigan that snapped a multi-year losing streak in the rivalry.

His statistical dominance set him apart: leading the nation in completion percentage (78.4%, shattering the previous FBS record held by Oregon’s Bo Nix at 77.4%) and passing efficiency (182.05 rating).

He threw for 3,323 yards, 31 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions across 13 games (including non-conference and conference play), with five outings featuring at least 300 passing yards and three scoring passes.

Tied nationally for the most 30-plus-yard touchdown passes (11), Sayin showcased pinpoint accuracy, poise under pressure, and the ability to elevate an already talented supporting cast featuring receivers like Carnell Tate and a stout defense.

This breakout performance earned Sayin a spot among the four Heisman Trophy finalists announced in early December, alongside Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza (who won the award after leading the Hoosiers to a perfect regular season and a Big Ten title victory over Ohio State), Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, and Notre Dame’s running back Jeremiyah Love.

Sayin finished fourth in the voting, a strong showing for a sophomore in a year dominated by narrative-driven candidates. He also secured Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors and finalist nods for awards like the Davey O’Brien and Walter Camp Player of the Year.

Criticism of Sayin, particularly after Ohio State’s 13-10 loss to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game, centered on his inability to mount a comeback in a tight contest.

Some analysts pointed out limited come-from-behind passing attempts in close games throughout the year, arguing his efficiency came in a system that rarely required him to play from behind due to the team’s elite defense and balanced attack.

Preseason doubts about his readiness as a starter had lingered from spring practice, where competition with other quarterbacks was close, but those concerns evaporated as the season progressed. Opponents and peers, including Miami’s defensive end Rueben Bain Jr.

ahead of a potential Cotton Bowl matchup, praised Sayin’s maturity: “He’s a real smart young guy.

Like as a sophomore, you wouldn’t expect nobody to have the mindset and skill set that he does, but he does and he’s going out and playing just as if he was a fifth- or fourth-year guy.”

Griffin’s legacy as Ohio State’s most decorated player makes his support particularly meaningful. The only two-time Heisman winner in college football history, Griffin embodies the program’s values of resilience and class. His measured endorsement aligns with a broader sentiment among Buckeye faithful: patience for young talent under immense pressure.

Sayin, at just 20, inherited sky-high expectations in one of college football’s most scrutinized positions, yet delivered a season that redefined accuracy records and positioned Ohio State as a No. 2 seed in the expanded playoff.

As the Buckeyes gear up for their quarterfinal clash—potentially against a formidable Miami squad—Sayin’s growth trajectory remains steep. With another year of eligibility ahead, he has the chance to build on this foundation, perhaps chasing the program’s eighth Heisman (and first since Troy Smith in 2006).

The viral defense of him, whether fully verbatim or amplified through fan passion, underscores a core truth: in Columbus, protecting and nurturing talent is part of the tradition.

Sayin has already proven he belongs; now, with legends like Griffin in his corner, the focus shifts to what he can achieve next.

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