The Bill and Doug Show: Ohio State Football Talk

Episode: Inside Ohio State football's No. 2 spring practice: Julian Sayin's growth and a safety to watch
Date: March 12, 2026
Hosts: Doug Lesmerises & Bill Landis
Produced by: Blue Wire

Overview

This episode dives deep into Ohio State football's second spring practice of the 2026 season. Doug and Bill break down their observations from the practice field, focusing on the quarterbacks—especially Julian Sayin's physical and leadership development—and spotlighting emerging talents in other position groups, notably among the safeties and defensive backs. The conversation mixes detailed football analysis, playful banter (including a thorough examination of Julian Sayin’s new mustache), and listener-focused context.

Key Discussion Points

1. Quarterback Room Vibes & Depth

• The QB room features a mix of experiences: returning starter Julian Sayin, rising star Tavian Sinclair, veteran transfer Justin Martin, and true freshman Luke Fahey ([02:00]).
• "When you line them up together on the field and have them drop back in unison...that’s what a college quarterback room should look like." — Doug ([03:38])
• Bill notes this alignment is "about as Ryan Day as a QB room gets" ([04:00]), emphasizing how roster continuity and staggered development allow player growth with minimal anxiety over depth.

2. The Coaches' Impact: Seven Brains on Quarterbacks

• Coaches involved: Ryan Day (head coach, former QB), Billy Fessler (QBs coach), Arthur Smith (new OC & play-caller).
• Doug: "That’s seven brains trying to make the quarterback play at Ohio State the best it can be. I have not always felt that they had everything lined up" ([06:32]).
• Bill contrasts this staff's quarterback focus with last year’s situation, where Brian Hartline split duties as receivers coach and play-caller ([07:10]).
• Arthur Smith’s focused presence as OC is highlighted as a positive change for Sayin's development ([07:10]).

3. Julian Sayin’s Evolution

• Physical growth: Sayin reports adding "5 to 10 pounds of lean mass" ([12:17]), focusing on lower-body strength and breaking tackles—directly responding to offseason goals set by the staff and himself.
• Playmaking in adversity: Bill asks Sayin how he processes and responds to bad plays. Sayin, channeling advice from Billy Fessler, replies, "Elite quarterbacks are great in bad situations" ([15:49]).
• Learning from mistakes: "[After being eliminated] sitting on the couch watching the playoffs, you can't help but think of the 3 or 4 plays you should’ve made." — Sayin ([16:53])
• Doug and Bill discuss what Sayin's "X Factor" will be: his improved ability to avoid sacks, navigate the pocket, and use quickness more than brute strength ([18:55]).

Notable Quotes

• “I think Julian Sayin’s best asset is solving the problem before it happens—get the ball out, anticipate, process quickly.” — Doug ([17:06])
• “I don’t think he’s ever gonna show fire behind a podium when he’s talking to us, but I wonder if he might play with some more fire this year.” — Bill ([16:53])

Memorable Moment

• Sayin steps up as a leader post-practice, dropping his first audible F-bomb breaking down the team: "Go out there and be a f***ing dog today!" ([23:52]).

4. Fun with ‘Mustache Files’

• Doug jokingly coins the term “mustache files/gate” for Sayin’s new facial hair, drawing a metaphor about leadership and growing up ([24:32], [26:11]).
• Offensive linemen encouraged the look. Doug warns: "Apparently if Luke Montgomery has ideas about hair on your body, it becomes permanent. So watch yourself, Julian Sayin." ([25:20])
• Long discussion comparing Sayin’s look with actor Timothée Chalamet: “Not saying he’s his doppelganger, but he’s kind of like the football version of Chalamet.” — Doug ([27:04])

5. Offensive & Defensive Position Notes

Receivers

• Jeremiah Smith remains the clear number one at X; Chris Henry Jr. is the backup, likely following a modest freshman season path similar to Marvin Harrison Jr.’s ([36:10]).
• Z receiver battle is open among newcomers: Kyle Parker, Devin McEwen (transfers), and freshman Jaquad Guilford.
• “If it ends up that OSU doesn’t have to play Chris Henry Jr. & Jaquad Guilford a lot as true freshman, it means the other guys were good.” — Bill ([38:39])

Offensive Line

• Gabe Van Sickle emerges as first-team right guard through two practices—a surprise to Doug and Bill ([41:31]).

Defensive Backs/Safeties

• Freshman Jay Timmons is running with the safeties at nickel; Jordan Thomas impresses as a true freshman corner ([38:43]).
• Leroy Roker, not presumed favorite Terry Moore, is seeing significant first-team reps at safety ([42:46]).
• “Leroy Roker is going to play. That much is apparent. They really like him.” — Bill ([43:16])
• The possibility of versatile secondary usage (e.g., sliding Jermaine Matthews into the slot in certain matchups) is debated ([39:58]).

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:55 – Quarterback room structure and why it matters
• 04:45 – Coaching staff's hands-on approach to QB drills
• 07:10 – Arthur Smith’s impact & comparison to prior OC situations
• 12:17 – Julian Sayin on gaining strength, offseason work
• 15:49 – Sayin on what makes an elite quarterback in tough situations
• 16:53 – Introspection: learning from playoff elimination
• 17:06 - 20:36 – Problem-solving styles for quarterbacks and Sayin’s evolution
• 23:52 – Julian Sayin’s leadership moment: “be a f***ing dog today”
• 24:32-28:03 – Mustache, facial-hair-themed banter and what it symbolizes
• 36:10 – The outlook for the wide receiver depth chart
• 41:31 – Gabe Van Sickle with the first-team O-line
• 42:46-44:28 – Defensive backs and safeties: new faces in key spots

Additional Insights

• The tone is upbeat and full of inside jokes referencing culture and the Ohio State fan and media community.
• Doug and Bill both emphasize not reading too much or too little into early spring depth charts—“they only have 15 of these, so everything’s done intentionally” ([44:51]).
• The episode closes with rapid-fire impressions across the roster, plus a nod to Ohio State basketball’s tournament outlook.

Selected Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "That’s what a college quarterback room should look like." — Doug ([03:48])
• "Seven brains trying to make the quarterback play at Ohio State the best it can be." — Doug ([06:32])
• "Elite quarterbacks are great in bad situations." — Julian Sayin via Billy Fessler ([15:49])
• "[After being eliminated] you can’t help but think of the 3 or 4 plays you should’ve made." — Julian Sayin ([16:53])
• "He’s a little thicker in the lower half." — Bill, describing Sayin’s off-season gains ([13:02])
• "Go out there and be a f***ing dog today." — Julian Sayin, team huddle ([23:52])
• “Leroy Roker is going to play. That much is apparent. They really like him.” — Bill ([43:16])

Summary Takeaways

• The show is bullish on Sayin’s maturity, physical growth, and the coaching staff’s collective power.
• Early spring standouts include safety Leroy Roker and corner Jordan Thomas.
• The culture and chemistry within position groups—e.g., QB and OL—are strong and developing.
• Plenty of light-hearted, fan-focused content (e.g., mustache metaphors) blends with substantial practice insights.
• The hosts urge fans not to take sustained OSU excellence for granted, while cautiously interpreting early roster trends.

[The Bill and Doug Show continues next week with more analysis after spring break and further updates on Ohio State’s preparation for their title defense.]