Julian Sayin, the ex-Alabama quarterback, has decided to transfer to Ohio State.
Julian Sayin, a former quarterback at Alabama and ESPN’s top quarterback recruit for the 2024 class, revealed on Sunday that he is transferring to Ohio State. This decision comes after Sayin entered the NCAA trans NCAA fer portal on Friday following Nick Saban’s retirement from Alabama. Ranked as ESPN’s No. 3 overall prospect in the Class of 2024 and the leading offensive prospect in his recruiting class, Sayin intends to enroll at Ohio State soon and participate in their spring practice.
The quarterback left Alabama shortly after enrolling there in early January, coinciding with Saban’s retirement. Expressing his excitement about joining Ohio State, Sayin mentioned his admiration for the program throughout his recruiting process and his eagerness to learn from the talented players and coaches there.
Sayin has a pre-existing relationship with the Ohio State staff, particularly with new Buckeyes coordinator and quarterbacks coach Bill O’Brien, who was involved in Sayin’s early recruitment to Alabama before leaving for the Patriots in the 2023 season and recently joining Ohio State.
Acknowledging his family’s support, Sayin, who played high school football in Carlsbad near San Diego, thanked them for their sacrifices as he prepares to move to a second city over 1,000 miles away from Southern California.
Joining an already robust quarterback room at Ohio State, Sayin will be part of a team that has undergone significant changes in the offseason. The Buckeyes, finishing the 2023 season 11-2, have added notable players from the transfer portal, including Sayin, freshman All-America safety Caleb Downs, and two-time All-SEC tailback Quinshon Judkins. The team also strengthened the offensive line with the addition of Alabama center Seth McLaughlin and retained key players projected as NFL draft prospects.
Sayin’s arrival at Ohio State is notable as it positions the team with two high-end freshman quarterbacks in the same class, with Air Noland also being ESPN’s No. 31 overall recruit in 2024. While Noland is recognized as the No. 2 pocket passer, Sayin holds the title of the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 195 pounds, Sayin showcased his skills in high school, earning the MVP title at the Elite 11 finals in 2023 and finishing his high school career with impressive passing statistics.
