Unprecedented Rejection: Ohio Stateโs QB Julian Sayin Turns Down $6.5 Million NIL Offer from USC, Prioritizing Team Loyalty Over Financial Gain
In an era of college football dominated by name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, where seven-figure offers have become commonplace for elite talent, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin has made a decision that has stunned fans, analysts, and insiders alike. According to multiple reports, Sayin turned down a staggering $6.5 million NIL offer from USC, opting instead to remain loyal to Ohio State and the teammates he calls โfamily.โ
This rare display of principle over profit has been hailed across the college football world as a reminder that loyalty, legacy, and leadership still carry weightโperhaps more than ever in a sport increasingly influenced by money.
A Star on the Rise
Sayin, a five-star recruit from California and one of the highest-rated quarterbacks in the country, transferred to Ohio State in late 2024 after initially enrolling at Alabama. Since arriving in Columbus, Sayin has quickly emerged as the future face of the Buckeyesโ offense. His quick release, elite field vision, and poise under pressure have already drawn comparisons to former Buckeye stars like C.J. Stroud and Justin Fields.
With the starting job well within his grasp, Sayin has become a fan favorite not only for his talent but for his maturity and leadership. That reputation only grew stronger following his decision to stay put despite enormous financial temptation.
Turning Down the Millions
The reported offer from USCโs NIL collective would have made Sayin one of the highest-paid college football players in the country. The Southern California program, in search of a post-Caleb Williams era quarterback, was said to be aggressively targeting Sayin to return to his home state.
But Sayinโs response was clearโand powerful.
> โI came to Ohio State to win championships and grow with this team,โ Sayin reportedly told close confidants. โNo amount of money can replace what weโre building here.โ
In a social media post following the reports, Sayin wrote simply:
โLoyalty > money. Go Bucks.โ
Praised Across the Nation
Sayinโs decision has drawn widespread praise from former players, media personalities, and college football fans nationwide. ESPNโs Kirk Herbstreit, a former Ohio State QB himself, tweeted:
> โJulian Sayin just showed the kind of character you canโt teach. This is what being a Buckeye is all about.โ
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day also praised Sayinโs decision, saying:
> โJulianโs commitment to this team speaks volumes. Heโs not just a great playerโheโs a future leader of this program.โ
More Than a Quarterback
In a time when college football is being reshaped by business and branding, Julian Sayinโs stand is a reminder of the core values that still matterโcommitment, character, and belief in something bigger than yourself.
For Buckeye Nation, his decision wasnโt just about retaining a star quarterbackโit was about reaffirming what makes Ohio State special.
And for the rest of the country, it was a rare and refreshing statement: some players still choose legacy over a payday.
