BREAKING: In a sudden press conference at Ohio Stadium, Julian Sayin, the star coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, appeared with red eyes and a trembling voice, admitting to using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) to “maintain peak performance” after injury and season pressure. “I… I made a mistake…” The entire sports world was shocked, fans split into factions supporting or boycotting him, and the league was shaken. The NCAA and other doping control organizations launched an urgent investigation….**
In a stunning turn of events that has rocked the college football landscape, Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin—widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents in the sport—held an impromptu press conference at Ohio Stadium on January 13, 2026.
The 20-year-old sophomore, who transferred from Alabama and led the Buckeyes to a remarkable 2025 season with 3,610 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, and a near-record 77.0% completion rate, appeared visibly emotional.
With red-rimmed eyes and a voice that cracked repeatedly, Sayin confessed to using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in an effort to recover from an undisclosed injury and cope with the intense pressure of a high-stakes campaign.
“I… I made a mistake,” Sayin said, pausing to wipe away tears as flashes from cameras lit up the room. “After dealing with nagging issues from the season and the expectations weighing on me every day, I turned to something I knew was wrong.
I wanted to stay at peak performance for my teammates, for the fans, for Ohio State. But I crossed a line, and I’m owning it now before it destroys everything I’ve built.”
The admission comes just weeks after Ohio State’s heartbreaking 24-14 loss to Miami in the Cotton Bowl quarterfinal of the 2025 College Football Playoff, where Sayin struggled with two interceptions—including a costly pick-six—and threw for 287 yards on 22-of-35 passing.
Many analysts had pegged the Heisman Trophy finalist (who finished fourth in voting) as a frontrunner for even greater accolades in 2026. Instead, this bombshell confession has thrust the program into crisis mode.
Sources close to the situation indicate the PED use began during a recovery period following minor injuries sustained mid-season, amid the grueling Big Ten schedule and playoff push.
Sayin emphasized that no coaches or staff were aware, describing it as a “personal decision born out of fear—of letting people down, of not living up to the hype.” He reiterated that the substances were obtained independently and not part of any team-sanctioned regimen.
The reaction was immediate and polarized.
Ohio State fans flooded social media with divided responses: some expressed heartbreak and called for forgiveness, citing Sayin’s youth and the immense pressures on modern college athletes, while others demanded accountability, boycotts of games, and even calls for him to step away from the program.
“He’s human, but this cheats the game,” one prominent Buckeyes booster tweeted. “We don’t tolerate this at Ohio State.” Supporters countered with messages of empathy: “The kid carried us on his back—give him grace.”
The broader sports world echoed the shock. ESPN analysts described it as “a gut punch to college football’s integrity,” drawing parallels to past doping scandals in other sports. Former players and coaches weighed in, with some highlighting the mental health toll of NIL deals, Heisman hype, and playoff expansion.
Sayin’s NIL valuation had soared into the millions, adding layers to the scrutiny.
The NCAA wasted no time responding. In a statement released hours after the press conference, the organization confirmed an urgent investigation into Sayin’s admission, including potential violations of anti-doping policies under the NCAA’s strict substance abuse framework.
The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), which collaborates with the NCAA on testing protocols, has also been notified and is expected to conduct independent reviews. Penalties could range from multi-game suspensions to a full-season ban, or even program-wide repercussions if any institutional involvement is uncovered—though Sayin insisted none existed.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, who has guided Sayin since his transfer, issued a brief statement: “We are aware of Julian’s personal admission and are fully cooperating with all authorities. This is a difficult moment for our program, but we stand by our values of integrity and accountability.
Julian will face the consequences of his actions, and we will support him through this process as he seeks to make amends.”
As the investigation unfolds, questions loom large: How will this affect recruiting for the 2026 class? Could Sayin, projected as a high NFL draft pick in 2027, face eligibility issues or professional scrutiny? And what does this say about the escalating pressures in college football—where young stars like Sayin balance massive expectations, injury risks, and the blurred lines of performance recovery?
For now, the Buckeyes’ star quarterback has taken the first step toward redemption by coming forward voluntarily. Whether the sports world grants forgiveness or demands harsher justice remains to be seen. One thing is clear: this confession has shaken Ohio State to its core and sent ripples far beyond Columbus.
