Who will represent Ohio State at Big Ten media days?

The Big Ten Conference teams collectively announced which three players would represent them at its annual media days in Chicago this summer. The Ohio State Buckeyes head coach, Ryan Day, chose a quarterback, a wide receiver, and a safety, indicating he wanted to show a balanced approach from the perspective of the program.

Typically, the guys who represent the Scarlet and Gray at Big Ten media days are guys who are key members and expected to be big-time contributors during the upcoming season, and that’s no different this year. There will be two Heisman contenders and a guy who has turned heads on the defense so far.

Advertisement

Lots of eyes will be on Ohio State on July 29, the day they will be presenting. Here is a look at the three players selected to represent the Buckeyes this summer.

Jaylen McClain: The Rising Voice of the Defense

The junior safety won the starting job in the 2025 season and became one of the anchors of the Ohio State defense. He had 53 total tackles and three pass breakups last year. Playing every game during his true-freshman season that led to a national championship is now paying off for the safety.

Julian Sayan: The Face of the Offense

Sayan is entering his third season in Columbus and is the established starter after a breakout season in 2025. This past season, he completed 301 of 391 passes for 77 percent. He also threw for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns. The former five-star talent from California being sent to Chicago puts the spotlight on a player who may define the ceiling of the offense in 2026.

Advertisement

Jeremiah Smith may very well be the best player in all of college football next season, so it comes as little surprise that he will be one of the voices representing the Buckeyes. The junior wide receiver will pair with Sayin to form one of the Big Ten’s most dangerous partnership tandems. It seems almost fitting that a wide receiver represents the university that considers itself “WRU.”