The preseason accolades for Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin and star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith are starting to get a little ridiculous. Not only were the passing and catching duo two of the names recognized as Big Ten preseason honorees, but they also made the preseason watch list for the Maxwell and were honored as preseason ESPN All-Americans, among other lists and awards.
Now, the two will be a part of another preseason honor based on the names that were unveiled on the Walter Camp preseason watch list. That's right, both Sayin and Smith are the two Ohio State players identified by the Walter Camp Foundation. The award has been around since 1967 and is awarded to the collegiate football player of the year as judged by the panel of voters.
Even the most casual fan knows about Smith. Widely considered the best player in the country despite what the awards say, Smith has already put together two of the best seasons we've ever seen a wide receiver do. So far, he has totaled 163 receptions for 2,558 yards (15.7 avg.) and 27 touchdowns. He's also rushed for two scores. He is expected to have another huge year and is closing in on breaking some of the biggest all-time receiving records in Columbus.
Sayin is a known commodity as well as a returning Heisman Finalist from his sensational freshman campaign, where he led the country in passing accuracy, throwing for 3,610 yards on 301-of-391 attempts (77%). He tossed 32 touchdowns to just eight interceptions. He should be even better with a year of seasoning under his belt.
Seeing double on the Walter Camp watch list.@juliansayin2 🤝 @Jermiah_Smith1pic.twitter.com/ZjON7V9lNg
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 17, 2026
Ohio State has taken home the Walter Camp Award four times during its illustrious history, tied with Oklahoma and Notre Dame for the second-most of any program, behind USC's seven awards (O.J. Simpson twice). Archie Griffin won the award the same two years he won the Heisman (1974-75); Eddie George was the recipient in 1995 (also the same year he won the Heisman); and Troy Smith -- you guessed it -- Heisman year as well, took it home in 2006.
Like many of the other college football awards, the Walter Camp will be announced and handed out during ESPN's Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 11.
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Two Ohio State players named on Walter Camp preseason watch list