Thursday September 3rd, 2026
THE LANTERN
Issue 28, Year 145
The independent student voice of the Ohio State University since 1881.
Ohio State pays $2.1 million to settle allegations over undisclosed China ties in federally-funded research Lauren Savitsky Campus Senior Writer
Former Ohio State Professor and Distinguished University Scholar, C.K. Shum’s Nobel Peace Prize Plaque is displayed outside the 18th Avenue Library.
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hio State agreed to pay $2.1 million to settle a federal civil complaint that it failed to disclose a university professor’s ties to China in connection with federally funded research for nearly a decade, the U.S. Department of Justice announced on Monday. The settlement stems from allegations that Ohio State did not reveal former earth science professor and Nobel Peace Prize contributor C.K. Shum’s connection to China and participation in the country’s Thousand Talents Program – an initiative designed to recruit scientists and researchers with valuable knowledge and access – while he received funding from NASA and the National Science Foundation from November 2012 to August 2023. “Specifically, the settlement resolves allegations that since 2014, annual Faculty Activity Reports submitted to OSU identified affiliations with [People’s Republic of China] universities and state-run research organizations, but OSU did not disclose this information to NASA or NSF,” the Justice Department press release stated. The DOJ claimed that Ohio State found out about Shum’s involvement with the Thousand Talents Program in 2019, but did not disclose this to NASA or National Science Foundation until 2023, breaching the grant application’s requirement to reveal any foreign government affiliations. “The university suspended Shum’s principal investigator privileges, halted spending on the relevant federal awards, initiated disciplinary proceedings and repaid the federal grant funds
CREDIT: OLIVIA RINALDI | EDITOR IN CHIEF
in question,” Ben Johnson, a university spokesperson, said. “Shum is no longer employed at Ohio State, and the university has cooperated with federal authorities throughout the investigation.” The Lantern also reached out to the Dean of Natural and Mathematical Sciences but did not recieve a response in time for publication. Though no longer with the university, Shum’s contributions to the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize are honored in a plaque outside the 18th Avenue Library on Woodruff Avenue. where plaques from other Nobel laureates are also on display. The 2007 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change and former Vice President Al Gore to honor their efforts to establish and share knowledge about man-made climate change. Shum was a lead author of the panel’s assessment report on oceanic climate change and sea levels with his research advancing understanding about the climate crisis, according to a web archive of his curriculum vitae, which is now no longer available on the School of Earth Sciences website. The settlement agreement is not an admission of liability by the university or an acknowledgment by the United States that its claims lacked merit, the agreement stated. “We will continue to hold accountable any university that fails to comply
with disclosure requirements designed to protect research security and federally-funded scientific achievements,” Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division said in the press release. Johnson said that national security is a priority for Ohio State and the university promotes secure research. “Safeguards include dedicated research compliance and secure research offices, mandatory conflict-of-interest and research security disclosure systems and robust security and foreign influence training programs,” Johnson said.
Thursday September 3rd, 2026 | www.thelantern.com | 2
CAMPUS
On page 4
On page 5
New Latin and Mediterranean restaurant opens
Love Island Episode Review
Can Fairies have taken over students' off-campus lawns. What are they? Reegan Davis Managing Campus Editor et
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s some off-campus students woke up, did their morning routine and made their way to their Monday morning classes, they returned home to a white and purple bin on their lawns. At first glance, it may appear to be an average recycling bin. However, this wasn’t the bin students were used to seeing. It was a Can Fairy. Can Fairies, a University District Organization recycling program, is meant for students and anyone who resides off-campus to stop throwing cans, red solo cups and recyclable items on their lawn, including during home football games, and to put them in the Can Fairies instead. The bins – which look similar to average, plastic trash and recycle bins with the Can Fairy logo – were dropped off early on Monday at the houses of those who signed up for the 2026-2027 school A student recycles a water bottle into one of the University District Organiyear. zation’s Can Fairies (Posed). CREDIT: REEGAN DAVIS | MANAGING CAMPUS EDITOR “Happy recycling,” Nora Gerber, the executive director of the UDO, said. items, such as paper, metal cans and and the recyclable items ending up in “This is a free recycling program with cups, cartons, glass, plastic bottles and the landfill, according to Tyler Lowry, the benefit of potentially free rewards, containers and cardboard, according the senior communications advisor for and it’s as simple as that.” to the Can Fairy website. Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio, The city expanded the number of Residents who have a Can Fairy or SWACO. houses the bins were dropped off to can roll their bin to where their trash “The idea is that we know a lot of re300 this year, as opposed to 200 hous- gets picked up. The city of Columbus cyclables are generated in the off-cames in 2024 and 2025, Gerber said. The will collect the recycling from the Can pus area,” Lowry said. “We also know area in which the bins are at includes Fairies every Thursday, according to that not all of those residences have 11th Avenue to Lane Avenue, and east the website. curbside recycling. So, this is an opof High Street and Summit Street. Gerber said that signing up for a portunity to help make sure that those This past year, the Can Can Fairy gives Can Fairy owners the recyclables don’t become litter, which chance to win prizes based on their re- is the worst thing that could happen to Fairies collected 54,163 cycling; such as t-shirts, tote bags, re- it, and that they don’t go to the landfill, pounds of recycling from usable party cups and gift cards. which is the second worst thing that The program is meant to solve the could happen to it.” 200 houses, Gerber said. two biggest problems when it comes It’s not just cans that the Can Fairto throwing cans on lawns; littering FAIRIES continues on page 3. ies can collect – but any recyclable
Thursday September 3rd, 2026 | @thelanternosu | 3 Continued from page 2. Gerber said that the program started by focusing on home gamedays to see if it would be a success. Gerber and others from the Can Fairy team performed a “proof of concept” in 2022, placing green cardboard boxes on 20 lawns for the eight home games that year to see if people would fill the box instead of littering. “Home gamedays are when we see a lot of people throwing their cans on the lawn,” Gerber said. “One part of this was to change that little habit of stop throwing your can on the lawn, fill the box. Not the lawn, fill the bin.” The program officially launched in 2023, providing Can Fairies to 100 houses in the university district. The Can Fairy program received grants from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and SWACO last year for the 2025-2026 year and the 2026-2027 year, allowing for more partnership and splitting up the roles between the non-profit organization and a government agency, Lowry said. This change allowed for a transition point in the program last year, as the city will take on the collection and deployment side of the project because of these grants and collaboration, and the UDO will focus more on the reward side, Gerber said. “This has always been the plan,” Gerber said. “To slowly transition to understand [that] there is a demand for recycling, and students know how to recycle and they want to recycle and we want to reward them for that. It’s been a slow process, but an impactful one.” Sign-ups to request a Can Fairy for this year are closed, and the remainder of the fairies will be dropped off over the next few days, Gerber said.
Read more about University District Organizations online at www.thelantern. com!
Ohio State students feel pressure to secure off-campus housing early
Cameron Dewey Lantern Reporter
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in fall for next year, and then we still see students looking in spring for that fall, so I think depending on their own timeline and what that looks like for them, their budget, their circumstances,” Lauren Stazen, senior relationship manager for the university’s Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engage-
Resources, such as the survey, for the fall housing network can be found at the network’s website. “Ultimately, we want all of our Buckeyes to feel like they have the details and information to really make informed decisions when they go to move off campus,” Stazen said.
or Ohio State students, finding off-campus housing can mean signing a lease months before they plan to move in. Rows and rows of homes surround Ohio State’s campus, offering potential living spaces to students already looking ahead to the next school year. Mia Holley, a third-year in primary education, said she feared that she would risk losing housing if she did not commit to her lease last winter. Holley began searching for housing last December for the 2026-2027 school year. Though she was still eight months away from moving in, she wished she had started searching earlier. “I think we felt pressured because we really didn’t see any other houses that were [going to] be open for rent,” Holley said. “So I feel like we were just like, okay, we need to sign this lease because we need to get it, because other people also wanted this house, we need to get on it now or it’s gonna be Off-campus house on 10th Avenue that is available for rent. taken by somebody else.” CREDIT: MICHAEL GOULET | CAMPUS PHOTO EDITOR Holley officially signed her lease in March and continued to struggle to fill the spots through the summer. ment, said. “I think they can really dicIt is important to walk around “We had people leave and drop out tate those timelines.” and see the properties themselves, of the lease, or committed to moving Ohio State offers an off-campus Schaffert said. In August, she and her in, and so the hardest thing is then housing network which helps students friends went to look at houses and saw trying to find someone to cover their be more aware of the housing process. someone outside. spot,” said Holley. The housing network is a holistic They ended up talking with someKira Schaffert, a second-year in bi- approach that connects Ohio State, one who is now reaching out to the ology, is currently hunting for housing Student Legal Services, property own- landlord for Schaffert and her friends for the 2027-2028 school year. ers and several City of Columbus de- to move into the house next school “I think there is some pressure right partments such as police and public year. now because we want to be able to sign safety, Stazen said. “Just get a head start, take it one a lease, but at the same time, I think “One of the great things that you can step at a time, and, also, before – if that looking early will give us an ad- access through the search is a commu- you’re trying to live with other people– vantage, and then in the end, we’ll be nity survey, and that is our property make sure you have your people and glad we started the process so early,” companies or the members, they will have a conversation with them about Schaffert said. complete this survey annually,” Stazen ‘Is this really what you want? Is this Schaffert said she has to look early said. “What they provide through the what you’re going to commit to?’ ” Holor spots will fill up. Her biggest con- survey is like an overview of business ley said. cern is making sure each of her friends practices, so you can really have a good are able to commit quickly when the understanding before you even pick up time comes for them to sign their lease. a phone or send an email to a property “We typically see students looking company or landlord.”
Thursday September 3rd, 2026 | www.thelantern.com | 4
ARTS & LIFE
On page 7 Ohio State University goalkeepers
Sugar, a new Latin and Mediterranean restaurant, opens on Park Street Helena Hennessy Managing Arts & Life Editor
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ugar, a new restaurant from the hospitality group behind Standard Hall, Forno Kitchen + Bar and Astra Rooftop, opened to the public Aug. 27. The Latin- and Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and bar, owned by One Hospitality, is located at 504 Park St. in the Short North Arts District. It is open from 4 p.m. till 1 a.m., Sunday through Wednesday and 4 p.m. to midnight Thursday through Saturday. “Sugar is the third piece of the Park Street revitalization,” said Chris Corso, owner of One Hospitality. “Astra [Rooftop] was first. Spruce St. Sporting was second. Sugar is a general style restaurant, open lunch, brunch and late night. Then we have Spice, which is going to be more Asian-oriented, coming in November.” Chloe Landers, director of brand experience at One Hospitality, said Sugar is intended to be more dining-focused despite the restaurant’s late night hours and fully-fleshed bar. Each of the restaurant group’s venues features a different cuisine, with Sugar being the first of its kind. “Sugar is going to rework how we brand it, because it’s Mexican with some Mediterranean mashup in there,” Landers said. “It was food that’s craveable, food that’s good. We wanted it to be a spot that you can count on to get really delicious tacos and not break the bank. It’s that reliable spot.” Landers said Sugar’s interior was designed to feel like an escape to a tropical environment, as its dining area features tree sculptures and boho-style draperies, as well as a vibrant and retro design. “It’s maximalist,” Landers said. “It’s eclectic. It’s like an ‘I SPY’ book. If you
look anywhere, you’ll catch a detail and you’ll be like, ‘I wasn’t expecting that.’ It’s really fun to look at, because it’s a little out there in the best way possible.” The restaurant features two levels, with an indoor dining area and bar, as well as an outdoor patio, bar and lounge space. Sugar features an extensive Latinand Mediterranean-inspired food and drink menu, including chipotle chicken tacos, tuna tostadas, lamb lollipops and a variety of salads, according to the website. House-made drinks include margaritas and cocktails such as a house spritz, Spanish paloma and horchata espresso martini. Happy hour deals are offered Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m., and boast $6 margaritas, including their house, spicy hibiscus, mango and guava flavors, $4 16-ounce draft beers, half-price 6-ounce glasses of wine, $3 tacos and quesadillas ranging from $3 to $5, according to the website. The restaurant’s name references the former nightclub, The Sugar Bar, on Park Street, which closed in 2010, according to a Columbus Underground article. “This is the third piece of eight venues that will be on this street, which goes back to 2005 to 2015 when we had eight nightclubs on this street,” Corso said. “Now, it’s going to be more of a restaurant, spiritual vibe. [We’re] not doing any nightclubs. We’re bringing back Park Street in a little different fashion.” Landers said through One Hospitality’s goal of revitalizing Park Street, the group aims to offer a fresh dining and nightlife scene for Ohio State students to explore.
SUGAR continues on page 5.
Sugar Restaurant & Bar located on Park Street.
COURTESY OF CHLOE LANDERS
Thursday September 3rd, 2026 | @thelanternosu | 5 Continued from page 4. “We have Standard Hall, which really hits the college, young person market,” Landers said. “We’re really trying to make Park Street give people options aside from the Short North [Arts District], to walk over somewhere where it’s safe, and there’s parking and you can count on a good time.” Sugar strives to be more than merely a bar, as it features One Hospitality executive chefs Javier Canales, Christian Jones and Chad DeVault, and a James Beard Award-nominated drink curator, Hans Maggard, Landers said. “We’re really working to get the best talent to give people more than just a great party,” Landers said. “We
want them to have great drinks in their hands, and food and expand some palates if we can and learn together.” Sugar will begin serving brunch and lunch Saturday, with hours adjusting to 11 a.m. to midnight on Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 to 1 a.m. Thursday through Saturday and 4 p.m. to midnight on Monday, Landers said. One Hospitality is currently working to open their next restaurant venue, Spice in November — located across from Sugar at 491 Park St., Landers said. Reservations for Sugar can be made on the restaurant’s website.
Sugar Restaurant & Bar located on Park Street.
CREDIT: HELENA HENNESSY | MANAGING ARTS & LIFE EDITOR
Episode Review: “Love Island USA” Season 8 reunion revisits drama, relationships and fan-favorite moments Siena Kessler Arts & Life Editor
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he reunion for the eighth season of “Love Island USA” brought the cast back together to confront unresolved drama, revisit old conflicts and reveal which couples survived outside Fiji and which didn’t. The reunion, hosted by Ariana Madix, an Emmy-nominated “Love Island” host, and Bravo television personality Andy Cohen, premiered Aug. 31 on Peacock, nearly seven weeks after the season concluded with Trinity Tatum and Bryce Alakai crowned the winners. Recorded in front of a live audience in Los Angeles, the reunion gave the cast, most often referred to by their first names, a chance to reconnect and react to never-seen footage. Season eight became one of the summer’s most-watched streaming reality series, spending six weeks as the No. 1 streaming reality title and accumulating nearly 19 billion total minutes viewed, according to a Variety article. For the islanders, the first few moments of the reunion were less about old grudges and more about discovering just how much can happen in a few weeks. Unseen clips were showcased, following several islanders getting their phones back for the first time, which were confiscated during filming. Trinity, who entered the villa with roughly 4,000 Instagram followers, discovered that her following had skyrocketed to more than 1.6 million. As of Sept. 1, she has amassed more than 3.6 million followers. Other unseen moments answered some of the questions that the season left unanswered. Viewers saw behindthe-scenes footage of Gabriel Vasconcelos’ departure from the island, as well as an unaired fight between Trinity and Sincere Rhea that offered more
context to the season’s tension. The reunion also returned to one of the season’s most memorable firepit moments: Tierra “Titi” Davis and Trinity’s explosive argument during the Casa Amor recoupling, when a new group of islanders joined the villa, and the cast faced a round of new pairings. “You can pipe down,” Titi famously said. “I’m Titi.” The clip was followed by long-awaited clarification that fans had been requesting on social media. Viewers speculated that Melanie Moreno and Kenzie Annis had left the firepit during the argument due to how the scene was edited, but reunion footage showed they were present the entire time. The fallout from Casa Amor, however, extended beyond the villa. After leaving the island, KC Chandler revealed that he stepped away from social media after receiving death threats and having racial slurs directed toward him and his family following his decision to couple with Titi over Aniya Harvey. Beatriz Hatz also shared her experience with ableism after leaving the villa. Born with fibular hemimelia and having one leg amputated, Beatriz competed at the 2020 and 2024 Paralympic Games in track and field before becoming the first disabled islander on “Love Island USA”. While the reunion discussed the aftermath of life outside the villa, the cast still had plenty to discuss from inside it. One of the biggest unresolved storylines remained the complicated, drama-filled relationship between Melanie, Sincere and Sol Dean — a love triangle that seemed to follow the trio from Fiji to the reunion’s stage.
LOVE ISLAND continues on page 6.
Thursday September 3rd, 2026 | www.thelantern.com | 6 Continued from page 5. The tension between Melanie and Sol quickly became apparent when Cohen asked Sol, “Now that you’re here, what’s on your mind?” Sol responded, ”Okay, where do we start?” Melanie then accused Sol of lying about being alienated by the group. “You’re trying to play the victim when you’re not,” Melanie said. Sol fired back by calling Melanie an “antagonist,” sending the room spiraling into a web of accusations and interruptions. Cohen questioned where Sincere’s relationship with Melanie stood after leaving Fiji, to which Melanie said the two were still “building trust,” suggesting their relationship remains a work in progress. The reunion also offered viewers a new side of Melanie and Sol’s relationship. Previously unseen footage showed the two bonding over the death of Sol’s father, as Melanie offered her support. The conversation added a glimpse into the friendship that existed briefly, but did not put an end to the pair’s ongoing argument. Drama was not limited to the trio. Trinity confronted Sol over comments made about Bryce and Kayda Bosse during a livestream. Sol had discussed Bryce allegedly pulling Kayda away for several “chats” during the season, while Trinity fought back and said he pulled Kayda for a conversation merely once, questioning why Sol revisited the moment. “Why do you feel the need to speak on it?” Trinity asked Sol. For a reunion built around addressing old drama, not every conversation ended in a wave of chaos. Kenzie made her reunion entrance in true Kenzie-fashion, dropping into a split in her dress and heels — an iconic callback to one of the season’s most recognizable moments that went viral on social media and drew loud cheers from the live audience. Kenzie and Dylan Wrona also gave viewers an update on the status of their relationship. Following the season’s commencement, Dylan said he had asked Kenzie to be his girlfriend at the top of the Empire State Building, and Kenzie said she had already told him
she loves him. Jennifer “Jen” Terry received a thunderous reaction when she entered the stage and joked with the hosts about her nickname evolution. After initially being dubbed a “Nothing Burger” by fans online for her laid-back personality, she became a fan-favorite for her relatability, earning the upgraded nickname of “Everything Bagel.” The rest of the cast also shared updates on their relationships outside the villa. Zach Georgiou and Kayda said they remain exclusive, although they haven’t officially labeled their relationship. Carl Schmidt and Aniya discussed blending their lives outside the villa and Titi and KC said they remain stronger than ever. Despite many happy endings, not every relationship survived the transition from Fiji to the real world. Corbin Mims and Parmida Keshani said they are no longer together, but are continuing as friends. Caleb McDaniel and Jaiden Bacciocco also addressed the ending of their relationship, discussing communication challenges and the struggle to maintain their connection after leaving Fiji. “I think [Caleb is] a great person but I don’t personally think that ‘trying post-villa’ is what [he was] doing,” Jaiden said. Caleb said he struggled to balance his new opportunities, following the end of the season’s run, with a relationship and ultimately apologized for hurting her. Not every relationship update was romantic. The reunion also revisited tension between Melanie and Kenzie over Kenzie allegedly speaking negatively
about Melanie in an Instagram livestream, and continued with Melanie accusing Kenzie of not being there for her throughout the season. The confrontation eventually softened as Kenzie got emotional and the two embraced. After nearly two hours of confrontations, accusations, clarifications and relationship updates, the reunion closed on a positive note. A montage of the friendships between the cast played, shifting the focus away from the romantic drama and
toward the connections that formed throughout the season. Rating: 4/5 Winners of “Love Island USA” Trinity Celeste Tatum and Bryce Alakai Dettloff. CREDIT: BEN SYMONS/PEACOCK VIA TNS
Thursday September 3rd, 2026 | @thelanternosu | 7
Their time has come: Ohio State’s men’s and women’s goalkeepers making immediate impact in their first season as starters Bridget Lombardo and Dylan Buganski Senior Sports Writers
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or Ohio State’s men’s and women’s starting goalkeepers, patience has been a virtue. Seniors Patrick McLaughlin and Peighton Northrup have each had to wait three seasons before earning their spots as starting keeper for their respective teams in the 2026 season. Now, with both teams ranked in the top-10 nationally three games into the season, McLaughlin and Northrup have capitalized on their starting opportunities to start the season. McLaughlin opens starting tenure with clean sheets A soccer goal gives an opponent 192 square feet to aim for — 24 feet between posts and eight feet from the ground to the crossbar. For McLaughlin, that space comes
down to one number: zero. Three games into the season, that’s how many goals he’s allowed. McLaughlin has helped the Buckeyes open the season with three shutout victories, skyrocketing Ohio State from unranked in the preseason to No. 4 in the country. “I try to be as calm as possible, especially in games when it can be really hectic,” McLaughlin said. “I like to be the goalie you can play out [through] to make it easy for my defenders.” After arriving at Ohio State injured and redshirting his freshman season in 2023, McLaughlin played nine games in 2024 while splitting time with former goalkeeper Max Trejo before making just one appearance in 2025. While McLaughlin waited for a larger role, head coach Brian Maisonneuve said the talent was always present. The difference now is consistency. “We’ve always seen the talent in [McLaughlin],” Maisonneuve said. “But he’s come in [this season] as fit
and sharp as he’s ever been, and he’s maintained it. While he’s had little dips in the past, this year he’s been very good to excellent all season long.” That consistency has translated into three clean sheets and two more solo shutouts than he recorded over the previous two seasons combined. McLaughlin credits Ohio State’s defense, who have limited opponents to just 19 shots on the season compared to the Buckeyes’ 97. “They’ve been playing amazing, so I give all credit to them for everything they’ve done so far,” McLaughlin said. But Maisonneuve said McLaughlin’s impact goes beyond just saves, as his presence behind the backline has prevented opportunities before they develop. Even when opponents have gotten through, McLaughlin has answered. “When [McLaughlin’s] been called on, he’s had to make some big saves,” Maisonneuve said. “That just gives the whole team confidence.” With most of the season still ahead, maintaining that success means approaching each game on its own. For McLaughlin, the next match begins 0-0 no matter what has happened in the previous 270 minutes. “Mistakes as a goalie are pretty punishing since you’re the last man back,” McLaughlin said. “So you kind of have that goldfish memory where [you] make a mistake, let it go, reset and then get ready for the next one.”
Northrup’s patience paying off behind the net
Goalkeeper Patrick McLaughlin (1) kicks the ball. The Buckeyes beat Virginia Tech 1-0 on Aug. 20, 2026. Goalkeeper Peighton Northrup (1) blocking the sun. The Buckeyes beat Kansas 1-0 on Aug. 20, 2026.
CREDIT: CASSANDRA D’ANGELO | SPORTS PHOTO EDITOR
After three seasons of waiting behind goalkeeper Molly Pritchard, who set the record for most shutouts in Ohio State’s program history, Northrup is now the Buckeyes’ last line of defense. Through the team’s first three games, Northrup has not wasted waste the opportunity. She has helped lead the Ohio State
women’s soccer team to a 2-0-1 record on the season and a No. 8 ranking nationally. Northrup has held opponents to only one goal through these three games, a feat only two other Ohio State goalkeepers have accomplished in the last decade. “I’ve always been prepared for this moment,” Northrup said. “Now that it’s here and we’re at full speed we are ready to go.” Northrup showed off this preparation, securing shutouts against ranked opponents Clemson and Kansas. She highlights the team’s communication and holding shots to a minimum for their stout effort in these matchups. “Coming out of the gate, a low percentage of shots on goals and having any goals in general is something we wanted out of our backline,” Northrup said. “Communication is a big thing for us and holding each other accountable.” While it was difficult to be patient in earning her time in the net, she credited her teammates and head coach Lori Walker-Hock for holding the mindset of working hard. “It wasn’t always easy,” Northrup said. “I had so much support from my teammates and coach always told me my time was coming.” Northrup is unique in the current state of college athletics, as instead of hopping in the transfer portal she decided to wait her turn. Walker-Hock credited her mindset while sitting behind Pritchard and how it has made her ready for the moment. “There’s a tendency that if players don’t play right away, they just hop in the transfer portal,” Walker-Hock said. “I credit her willingness to learn and grow, and now stepping into this important role with a level of maturity.” The practice has paid off, as she already has claimed a Big Ten co-goalkeeper of the week award and holds the highest save percentage in the Big Ten amongst all starting goalkeepers.
Thursday September 3rd, 2026 | www.thelantern.com | 8
SPORTS
On page 2 Can Fairies in the neighborhood
Julian Sayin stepping up as a vocal leader for the Buckeyes in his second year as starting quarterback Reilly Cahill Managing Sports Editor
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he last time Julian Sayin played in a regular season game, he was seen briefly silencing the Michigan Stadium crowd after throwing a touchdown pass, en route to ending a four-game losing streak to the Wolverines. Now, as Sayin enters his second year as Ohio State’s starting quarterback with the Buckeyes’ first game days away, his voice and leadership has become more noticeable around the team. Sayin was recently named one of seven team captains, becoming the first quarterback to earn that honor since C.J. Stroud in 2022. “He’s really taken a huge step in his leadership and to get voted captain the way he did, and looking at the number of votes he got, I mean these guys believe in him,” head coach Ryan Day said. “He’s established himself as a leader.” Last season, Sayin set the third-highest completion percentage in FBS history, completing 77% of his passes. As a Heisman Trophy finalist, Sayin led the nation in completion percentage, threw the fourth-most touchdown passes and the 10th-most passing yards in the country. While Sayin made his impact on the field, his vocal leadership, specifically at the start of the season, was not as noticeable. “I think he was hesitant at times to speak up,” wide receiver Brandon Inniss said. “I think as the year went on, he got more comfortable.” This season, Inniss and many other teammates have noticed a different
side of Sayin’s leadership. “This year is way different, you can see [with] how he talks, how he walks, how he carries himself inside the facility,” Inniss said. Sayin’s top target last season, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, echoed the statement. “He’s doing a great job using his voice more, taking command of the offense,” Smith said. “[Sayin’s] taken that step.” While Inniss said the Buckeyes have other leaders on the team, he described the impact of having the team’s signal caller as a vocal leader. “When the quarterback says things and when the quarterback can take command, it’s different,” Inniss said. “[Sayin] has done that a lot of times in camp, you’ve seen that and that’s why he’s a captain.” Sayin’s growth in his leadership has been evident to offensive lineman Carson Hinzman, who described how Sayin’s command in the huddle and at the line of scrimmage impacts the players around him. “It’s confidence building for everyone on the field,” Hinzman said. “You don’t want a leader who is shaky.” On offense, the Buckeyes return a handful of offensive linemen, wide receivers Smith and Inniss and running backs Bo Jackson and Isaiah West. While Sayin said it was easier for him to become more of a leader this offseason because of his familiarity with the players around him, he still looked for areas to improve. “Having an offensive group that we know each other very well, it is a little bit easier,” Sayin said. “But you still have to get out of your comfort zone
and [determine] what can I do more to improve as a leader.” This year marks the seventh time in the Buckeyes’ program history that they have seven or more team captains. “It means so much to me to be a captain,” Sayin said. “The history and the tradition of this program, I really just can’t put it into words that my teammates selected me and six others because it’s truly a great honor.” Quarterback Julian Sayin (10) at fall camp on Aug. 7. CREDIT: CASSANDRA D’ANGELO | SPORTS PHOTO EDITOR
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