The Big Ten has elite quarterbacks. Three of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten are also considered three of the top quarterbacks in college football. The Dante Moore vs Julian Sayin debate is one in which there is no clear consensus; a lot of people are divided on who the better quarterback is. Maiava will also have his chance to shape this conversation in 2026.
In a recent article, Dalton Wasserman and Max Chadwick rank Julian Sayin as the 4th best player in college football and 3 spots ahead of Dante Moore. Here is what they had to say about Sayin:
“Sayin was historically accurate in his first season as Ohio State’s starting quarterback. The redshirt freshman completed 77.0% of his passes, the third-highest completion percentage in college football history, trailing only the 77.4% marks posted by Bo Nix in 2023 and Mac Jones in 2020. Sayin’s 74.2% accurate throw rate also set the PFF College single-season record.
He led all FBS quarterbacks in PFF passing grade (92.9) and earned a grade below 70.0 only once all season. Sayin is the only 2025 Heisman Trophy finalist returning to school, and he should be considered one of the leading candidates to win the award this season.”
Sayin played his way into being a Heisman finalist and leading the Buckeyes to another successful season. Dante Moore unfortunately came up short in a very disappointing fashion vs Indiana in the College Football Playoff, sparking his return to Oregon. Sayin maximized the resources he has to the fullest, while Dante Moore has more traits that fit sustainability in the NFL. If it was just about stats, Sayin is in a deserving spot, but all things considered, I think Dante Moore should be in the spot that Sayin is in.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Julian Sayin versus Jayden Maiava is Big Ten football QB showcase
Reporting by Micah Huff, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Micah Huff, Trojans Wire | USA TODAY Network
