Julian Sayin: True Freshman? Redshirt Freshman? What Grade Is He?

When it comes to college athletics, especially in NCAA football, the terminology around class standing and eligibility can get confusing. With star quarterback Julian Sayin, the question emerges: Is he a true freshman or a redshirt freshman? And what “grade” or year is he academically and athletically? In this article we’ll explore:

• The definitions of “true freshman” vs “redshirt freshman”

• Sayin’s timeline from high school to college

• How many games he played and how that impacts eligibility

• His current class standing and what that means for 2025

• Why this matters to fans, recruiters, and team planning

• FAQs on his status

1. Understanding the Terminology

Before diving into Julian Sayin’s case, let’s clarify the jargon:

True Freshman

A “true freshman” is an athlete who is in their first year of college enrollment (first year of undergraduate) and is in their first year of athletic competition eligibility. They have not taken a redshirt season.

Redshirt Freshman

A “redshirt freshman” is an athlete who is in the second year of college enrollment academically, but in their first year of athletic competition eligibility. They sat out (or at least preserved eligibility) in their first year of competition, often playing in limited games or not at all, in order to extend their eligibility.

Why Use Redshirting

Teams often redshirt freshmen to allow them time to adjust academically, physically, and to learn the system without losing a year of eligibility.

2. Julian Sayin’s Timeline

Let’s walk through Sayin’s path from high school recruit through to his current status:

• Sayin attended Carlsbad High School in Carlsbad, California. He was a five-star recruit, ranked No. 1 quarterback in the 2024 recruiting class.

• He initially enrolled early at Alabama Crimson Tide (University of Alabama) in January 2024 after the retirement of coach Nick Saban.

• Soon afterward he transferred to Ohio State Buckeyes (Ohio State University) in January 2024.

• In the 2024 season, Sayin appeared in four games, logged 27 offensive snaps, completed 5 of 12 passes for 84 yards and one touchdown.

• Because he played in only 4 games, he was able to preserve his redshirt status (i.e., not lose a full year of eligibility) under NCAA rules.

• Ahead of the 2025 season, he was named the starting quarterback at Ohio State and was described as a redshirt freshman for eligibility purposes.

3. So… Is He a True Freshman or Redshirt Freshman?

Short answer: He is not a true freshman for 2025; he is a redshirt freshman for eligibility.

Here’s the logic:

• Because Sayin enrolled in college (hit campus) in 2024, his first year of enrollment was the 2024–25 academic year.

• He appeared in a limited number of games (4), which under NCAA rules allows a player to preserve their redshirt as long as they don’t exceed the allowed game limit (which is 4 games in a season for football).

• Hence, his athletic eligibility year for 2025 is his first full year of eligibility, which is the “freshman” year of eligibility — thus “redshirt freshman.”

• Some outlets may list his academic year as “sophomore” (or “second year student”) because the enrollment year is second year, but in terms of eligibility he is freshman (“redshirt freshman”). For example, Ohio State’s site lists him as “true sophomore with four years of eligibility” because academically he is second year, but he still has four years of eligibility.

• Therefore, when the question asks “Is he a true freshman?” the answer is no — his freshman season athletically is 2025; 2024 was a redshirt year.

4. What Grade or Year Is He?

In the context of college football, “grade” or “year” can refer to either academic year or athletic eligibility year. Here’s how it applies to Julian Sayin:

• Academic year (student status): Having enrolled in January 2024, as of the 2025 season he would be in his sophomore academic year (or second year of undergrad). This is how some media list him (“sophomore”).

• Athletic eligibility year: He is in his first year of full eligibility competition, so he is a freshman in eligibility. Since he preserved his initial year via limited games, he’s a redshirt freshman.

• Remaining eligibility: He still has four years of eligibility remaining, per Ohio State’s roster listing.

So when you see him listed as “redshirt freshman” or “RS-F” it means eligibility wise he is a freshman, but academically he is a sophomore.

5. Why It Matters

You might ask: “Why does this matter? Does it change how we view his performance or potential?” Yes — here’s how:

• Expectations: If he were a true freshman (first year enrolled and eligible), some patience might be assumed. But as a redshirt freshman, while still young, he has had a year of college adjustment. That often raises expectations.

• Eligibility and roster planning: For coaches and recruiting, knowing he has four years left helps roster management (depth chart, scholarship planning).

• Performance evaluation: When comparing to other players, noting his redshirt status is important — he’s effectively a freshman in competition, despite academically being in year two.

• Media and fan messaging: It helps set the narrative around “first year starter” or “young QB with full eligibility” for programs and analysts.

• Recruiting class comparisons: He is part of the 2024 recruiting class (signed out of high school) — so when media say “2024 QB class” vs “2025,” recognizing his classification confirms which cohort he belongs to. Julian Sayin redshirt freshman.

6. What to Watch in 2025 and Beyond

With Julian Sayin stepping into a starting role for Ohio State in 2025, several things will determine how his redshirt freshman year unfolds:

• Handling the pressure: Being the starter of a top-level program as a redshirt freshman carries intense expectations and scrutiny.

• Development from year 0 to year 1: His 2024 redshirt year gave him practice reps and partial game exposure (4 games, 27 snaps). The expectation is growth in decision-making, reading defenses, leadership.

• Supporting cast and coaching: Ohio State has a strong offense and playmakers. The system and coaching staff’s willingness to trust a young QB suggest they believe he’s ready.

• Health and consistency: Keeping injuries at bay and showing consistency across games will be key.

• Public perception versus reality: Sometimes freshmen — redshirt or true — get hyped. Ensuring his development trajectory aligns with expectations will matter for his future and the program.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: So is Julian Sayin a “true freshman” in 2025?
A: No — although he is new to starting competition, eligibility-wise he is a redshirt freshman, not a true freshman.

Q: Did he play any games in 2024?
A: Yes — he played in four games for Ohio State in 2024, recording 5-of-12 passing for 84 yards and a touchdown.

Q: Why is he called redshirt freshman if he played games?
A: NCAA rules allow players to participate in up to 4 games in a season without losing a full year of eligibility. Because he played only 4 games, he preserved his redshirt status and thus his first full year of eligibility is 2025.

Q: What academic year is he in?
A: Academically he is in his second year (sophomore) because he enrolled in college in January 2024.

Q: How many years of eligibility does he have left?
A: He has four years of eligibility remaining, as listed by Ohio State.

Q: Does being a redshirt freshman change his status among other QBs in the class?
A: Yes. It means he belongs to the 2024 recruiting class (signed out of high school in that cycle) and his competition should be other redshirt freshmen or younger, rather than pure true freshmen of 2025 class.

Q: Why do some outlets list him as “sophomore”?
A: They may be referencing his academic year (second year of college) or simply using “sophomore” loosely. But for athletic eligibility he is a freshman (after redshirt). For example, some reports list him as “sophomore academically and redshirt freshman eligibility-wise.”

Q: What should fans expect from him in 2025?
A: Since he’s a redshirt freshman starter, fans can expect a mix of high upside (given his recruiting pedigree) and some inexperience. The offense and coaching will likely give him support. Key metrics will include decision-making, turnover rate, leadership, and growth across the season.

8. Final Thoughts

Julian Sayin is one of college football’s most high-profile young quarterbacks. His status as a redshirt freshman means:

• He has the freshness and longevity of eligibility to build a long career,

• But also the maturity of having already had a year in the program,

• The expectation is that 2025 will be his coming-out year as a true contributor, not just as a rookie. Julian Sayin redshirt freshman.

Understanding his grade/classification isn’t just semantics — it helps put his performance, potential, and comparison with peers into clearer context. So when you see him listed as “RS F” or “redshirt freshman,” you’ll know exactly what it means: academically second year, athletically first full year, full eligibility ahead.