Julian Sayin, Former Alabama QB and ESPN’s top quarterback recruit in the 2024 class, has confirmed his decision to transfer to Ohio State, revealing this information to ESPN on Sunday.
Sayin opted to enter the NCAA transfer portal on Friday following Nick Saban’s retirement from Alabama. As ESPN’s No. 3 overall prospect in the Class of 2024 and the top offensive prospect in his recruiting class, Sayin plans to enroll at Ohio State promptly and will participate in the Buckeyes’ spring practice. His departure from Alabama coincided with Saban’s retirement soon after Sayin’s arrival.
Expressing his enthusiasm about joining Ohio State, Sayin mentioned his high regard for the program throughout his recruiting process and his eagerness to learn from talented players and coaches in college football. Notably, Sayin has a pre-existing connection with the Ohio State staff, particularly with new Buckeyes coordinator and quarterbacks coach Bill O’Brien, who played a role in Sayin’s early recruitment to Alabama. O’Brien had left for the Patriots in the 2023 season before being hired at Ohio State last week.
Sayin expressed gratitude to his family for their support during his football journey, acknowledging their sacrifices. This transfer marks a significant change for Sayin, who played high school football in Carlsbad, near San Diego, and will now be relocating to a second city over 1,000 miles away from Southern California.
Upon joining Ohio State, Sayin will become part of a robust quarterback room that includes Will Howard, Devin Brown, Lincoln Kienholz, and Air Noland. The Buckeyes, undergoing notable changes in the offseason, have secured several top players from the transfer portal, including Sayin, freshman All-America safety Caleb Downs, and two-time All-SEC tailback Quinshon Judkins. They have also bolstered their offensive line with the addition of Alabama center Seth McLaughlin.
The acquisition of Sayin adds a layer of depth to Ohio State’s quarterback lineup, featuring two high-end freshman quarterbacks in the same class—Noland and Sayin. Noland is ESPN’s No. 31 overall recruit in 2024 and the No. 2 pocket passer, while Sayin holds the position of the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback.
Sayin, standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 195 pounds, demonstrated his skills as a high school senior in Carlsbad, throwing for 2,369 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just one interception. He garnered recognition as the MVP of the Elite 11 finals in 2023, preceding his senior year. Over his high school career, Sayin accumulated 7,824 passing yards, 85 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
The addition of Sayin contributes to Ohio State’s efforts to rebuild and strengthen the team following their 2023 season, which concluded with losses to Michigan and Missouri in the Cotton Bowl. The Buckeyes are positioned for a promising future with an array of returning players and notable new additions.
