Ryan Day and the Ohio State Buckeyes are still licking their wounds from a disappointing elimination in the College Football Playoff at the hands of the Miami Hurricanes.
Despite being a top-tier national championship favorite entering that game, Ohio State simply did not show up. When all was said and done, the Buckeyes were sent home by a final score of 24-14.
Since that loss, quite a few Ohio State players have decided to enter the transfer portal. Day has been able to bring in some talent in the portal as well, but more talent has gone out than has come in.
Keeping that in mind, the Buckeyes are showing interest in an intriguing Big Ten transfer portal quarterback. That quarterback is none other than former UCLA and Maryland signal caller Justyn Martin.
In a January 9 post on X, Martin shared that he was visiting Ohio State.
Ohio State Buckeyes Lost Lincoln Kienholz to the Portal
More than likely, the Buckeyes’ interest in Martin comes from the fact that 2025 backup signal caller Lincoln Kienholz decided to take his talents to the transfer portal.
Kienholz did not play much during his tenure at Ohio State, but he was always ready to play when called upon. Day is likely showing interest in Martin as a potential replacement for Kienholz.
Throughout his first three college football seasons, including two at UCLA and last year at Maryland, Martin has not played much. He has completed 24 of his 35 career pass attempts for 179 yards, a touchdown, and no interceptions. He has also picked up 12 yards on the ground.
When Martin originally committed to UCLA in the 2022 recruiting class, 247 Sports had him rated as a four-star prospect. He was the No. 17 ranked quarterback in the class.
Whether or not the Buckeyes will offer Martin remains to be seen. It’s an interesting possibility, to say the least, but quarterback depth is extremely important and Martin could be a piece to that puzzle.
Julian Sayin Will Be Back for Ohio State in 2026
Of course, the starting quarterback job has already been spoken for in the form of Julian Sayin.
In his first season as the starting quarterback at Ohio State, Sayin was a Heisman Trophy finalist. His future is incredibly bright and the Buckeyes are in good hands under center.
Throughout the course of the 2025 season with Ohio State, Sayin put up big-time production. He completed 77 percent of his pass attempts for 3,610 yards, 32 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
No matter who the backup ends up being behind Sayin, the Buckeyes hope that they never have to play meaningful snaps. As long as Sayin is healthy, he will be the guy for Ohio State
Whether or not the fact that Martin would have no chance to earn a starting job or not will impact his interest in the Buckeyes remains to be seen. However, any quarterback in the portal or in high school should know that Sayin will be the starter in 2026 and possibly even 2027.
Keep an eye on Ohio State as the portal continues forward. The portal is scheduled to close on January 16.
Ohio State Buckeyes Showing Surprising Interest in Big Ten Transfer QB