In a moment that left Buckeye Nation reeling, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day addressed reporters outside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center just 30 minutes ago, delivering heartbreaking news about star quarterback Julian Sayin.

With a visibly trembling voice and eyes glistening, Day revealed that the highly-touted freshman signal-caller has been battling a severe illness that has kept him sidelined from team activities for the past several days.

“Julian has been quite sick,” Day said, pausing to compose himself. “He’s been dealing with a pretty heavy flu that escalated quickly. He’s been under medical care, receiving treatment, and I’m happy to report that he’s responding well and is already feeling much better.

But it’s been tough on him, and it’s been tough on all of us watching him go through this.”

The announcement came without warning during what was supposed to be a routine media availability ahead of Ohio State’s upcoming bowl game preparations.

Reporters gathered expecting updates on practice schedules and depth-chart adjustments, but instead were met with an emotional Day who chose to address Sayin’s condition head-on rather than let rumors swirl.

Julian Sayin, the former five-star recruit who transferred from Alabama earlier this year, has been one of the brightest stories of Ohio State’s 2025 season. The Carlsbad, California native enrolled early and quickly established himself as a key piece of the Buckeyes’ future at quarterback.

His poise, arm talent, and football IQ drew comparisons to some of the program’s legendary passers, and fans had been eagerly anticipating his expanded role in the postseason.

Sources close to the program indicate that Sayin first began feeling symptoms late last week—initially mild fatigue and congestion that were dismissed as typical winter ailments. However, by Saturday evening, his condition worsened dramatically.

He experienced high fever, severe body aches, and breathing difficulties that alarmed both the training staff and his family. He was immediately admitted to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center for evaluation and treatment.

Doctors diagnosed him with a severe strain of influenza complicated by secondary bacterial infection, a combination that has swept through parts of the Midwest this winter. Sayin was placed on aggressive antiviral medication and antibiotics, along with IV fluids and close monitoring.

For a brief period, there was genuine concern within the program about potential complications, especially given the intensity of flu season and recent reports of hospitalizations among otherwise healthy young adults.

“Seeing one of your players—especially a kid as dedicated and talented as Julian—hooked up to monitors and looking that drained… it hits you hard,” Day continued. “He’s only 18 years old.

These guys put their bodies through so much for this program, and when something like this happens, it reminds you they’re still young men who need care and support.”

The news spread like wildfire across social media, with #GetWellJulian trending nationwide within minutes. Former teammates from both Alabama and Ohio State flooded platforms with messages of support. Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer posted a simple but heartfelt message: “Praying for you, Julian. You’re tough as they come.

Get healthy, brother.” Current Buckeyes took to their stories with photos of Sayin in practice, accompanied by messages like “Our QB1 is a warrior” and “Speedy recovery, Jules.”

Sayin’s family has remained by his side throughout the ordeal. His parents flew in from California immediately upon hearing the severity of his symptoms.

In a brief statement released through the athletic department, they expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support: “We are overwhelmed by the love shown to Julian from Buckeye Nation and beyond. The medical staff here has been incredible, and Julian is already showing significant improvement.

He’s eager to get back to his teammates as soon as he’s cleared.”

Medical staff confirmed this afternoon that Sayin’s fever has broken, his oxygen levels are stable, and he has begun light meals—encouraging signs that the worst has passed.

He was moved out of intensive monitoring earlier today and is expected to be discharged within the next 48 hours, provided his recovery continues on its current trajectory. Doctors have emphasized rest and gradual reintroduction to physical activity, meaning his return to football-related work will be carefully managed.

For Ohio State fans, the scare serves as a sobering reminder of the human element behind the helmets. Sayin arrived in Columbus with sky-high expectations, having been rated as the No. 1 quarterback in the 2024 recruiting class.

His decision to transfer from Alabama after Nick Saban’s retirement made national headlines, and his integration into Ryan Day’s offense has been seamless.

In limited action this season, he completed 18 of 22 passes for 245 yards and three touchdowns, including a memorable 45-yard strike against Michigan that sealed a late drive.

The timing of the illness, while unfortunate, could have been far worse. With the regular season concluded and bowl practices just beginning, Sayin has a window to recover fully before any meaningful game action.

Ohio State is slated to face a tough opponent in their upcoming CFP quarterfinal, and while veteran quarterbacks remain available, Sayin’s development has been a priority for the coaching staff.

Day addressed the football implications directly: “Right now, our only concern is Julian’s health. Football can wait. When he’s ready—truly ready—we’ll welcome him back with open arms. The kid has been nothing but impressive since he stepped foot on campus. This doesn’t change anything about our belief in him.”

Teammates echoed that sentiment in the locker room. Starting wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, who has developed strong chemistry with Sayin, told reporters: “Julian’s our brother. Seeing him go through that was scary, but knowing he’s turning the corner gives us all peace. We’ll hold it down until he’s 100%.”

The Ohio State medical team has implemented additional precautionary measures across the program, including enhanced screening protocols and encouragement of flu vaccinations—many players, including Sayin, had already received theirs, highlighting the unpredictable nature of severe viral strains this year.

As Columbus collectively holds its breath and then exhales in relief, the story of Julian Sayin’s illness has transcended sports. It’s a reminder of vulnerability, of community, and of the fierce loyalty that defines Buckeye Nation.

From the highest recruit to the most seasoned veteran, every player is someone’s child, someone’s friend.

Thirty minutes ago, Ryan Day stood before cameras not as the architect of one of college football’s premier programs, but as a concerned coach worried about one of his own.

And in sharing that raw emotion, he reminded everyone watching why we care so deeply about these young athletes in the first place.

Julian Sayin is on the mend. The road back may take days or weeks, but the talent, the work ethic, and the support system surrounding him remain unchanged. When he does return—stronger, healthier, and undoubtedly more appreciated—the Woody Hayes Athletic Center will be ready.

For now, the message from Columbus is simple: Get well soon, Julian. Ohio State isn’t the same without you.