Troy Smith calls for Julian Sayin to replace Will Howard in second half vs. Penn State

Ohio State legend Troy Smith didn’t like the QB play for the Buckeyes Saturday and hoped to see true freshman Julian Sayin in the second half.

That was despite a 14-10 lead for the Buckeyes at halftime over Penn State. Starting quarterback Will Howard was 10-of-15 passing for 118 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

So it was certainly a curious tweet from Smith, a Heisman Trophy winner. But, perhaps Smith wanted to see a change under center or some sort of spark. We’ll see what the second half brings, as Smith alluded to.

“(Julian Sayin) … hope to see him 2nd half,” Smith wrote.

Smith quote tweeted another account that said “Game is over if will Howard doesn’t fumble there. Inexcusable fumble.”

However, Smith later deleted the initial tweet and sent out a follow up.

Ratio me after this win. Cmon bucks..

— Troy Smith (@yn_TroySmith) November 2, 2024

Whether Smith wants Sayin or Howard, there’s no question he consistently roots for Ohio State like he still plays.

Sayin only appeared in two games this season, going five-of-seven passing for 84 yards and one touchdown.

As a member of the Class of 2024, Sayin was a five-star-plus recruit out of Carlsbad (Calif.) High, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 1 overall prospect in the state, the No. 2 quarterback in the class and the No. 8 overall prospect in the class.

Sayin was a sought after prospect, like Bryce Underwood is at the moment. The 2025 prospect could command a giant NIL deal.

Smith responded to fellow Ohio State alum Michael Thomas who tweeted about Underwood, tagging him with Ohio State’s NIL collective.

“(Ohio State commit Tavien St. Clair) better but (Julian Sayin) elite,” Smith wrote on Twitter.

Head coach Ryan Day said earlier this season that reps for backup QBs are certainly important. He compared it to an NFL depth chart.

“When you look at NFL rosters who play as many games as they play — now close to as many as we’re going to play,” Day told On3’s Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman. “It isn’t always the top-end guys you’re talking about. I mean, they turn over their roster constantly, like in the bottom 10 to 15%. Well, when somebody gets hurt, [in college] you can’t just sign somebody off of waivers.

“Everybody’s involved. It’s the fourth-string, running back, it’s the third-string left guard. … All of these guys getting reps is going to be important because you can’t just sign somebody off a waiver. That’s also important for practice, it’s important for morale. I’m glad we got that done the first couple games right and you guys bring.”