Julian Sayin, the #1 quarterback prospect for ESPN in the 2024 class and a former Alabama player, said on Sunday that he will be moving to Ohio State.
Sayin registered on the NCAA transfer portal on Friday following Alabama head coach Nick Saban’s retirement. He is the best offensive prospect in his recruitment class and ranked third overall by ESPN for the Class of 2024.
He will take part in the Buckeyes’ spring practice and intends to enroll at Ohio State shortly. Sayin enrolled in Alabama and left in early January. Sayin’s entrance coincided with Saban’s retirement.
Sayin told ESPN on Sunday that he was “incredibly excited to join the team here at Ohio State.” “I held this program in high regard throughout my entire recruiting process and am looking forward to learning from some of the most talented players and coaches in college football and contributing to our team’s success.”
Sayin’s relationship with Bill O’Brien, the new coordinator and quarterbacks coach of the Ohio State University, dates back to his high school recruitment. He also has experience working with the Ohio State staff. Sayin had enlisted O’Brien in his early recruiting efforts in Alabama. (O’Brien signed a 2023 contract with the Patriots; he was hired by Ohio State last week.)
Sayin thanked his family for their support, adding that he will be moving to a second place over a thousand miles away from Southern California in January, adding to his already busy schedule. In Carlsbad, which is close to San Diego, he played high school football.
“My family has been so supportive and sacrificed so much throughout my football journey,” he stated. “I’m so proud and grateful to share this moment with them.”
Sayin will approach his last college season with a solid quarterback room at Ohio State, which includes Will Howard, a former Kansas State quarterback who brings 27 starts with him from his transfer. In 2024, Air Noland will begin his first season, Lincoln Kienholz will begin his second, and Devin Brown will begin his third. The starter from the previous season, Kyle McCord, moved to Syracuse.
The Buckeyes, who ended the 2023 regular season with a loss to Michigan (their third straight against the Wolverines) and a loss to Missouri in the Cotton Bowl, are continuing a big offseason of change with the acquisition of Sayin.
Three of the best players in the transfer portal have joined Ohio State: Sayin, two-time All-SEC tailback Quinshon Judkins, and rookie All-America safety Caleb Downs. With Alabama center Seth McLaughlin, they also strengthened the offensive line.
The Buckeyes also welcomed back a number of players that were considered to be NFL draft picks at the beginning of the 2023 campaign, such as guard Donovan Jackson, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, and tailback TreVeyon Henderson.
On the defensive side, end J.T. Tuimoloau, tackle Jack Sawyer, and standout cornerback Denzel Burke return unexpectedly, which is encouraging for the secondary.
After beginning the previous season 11-0 for the second straight year, Ohio State finished 11-2. In the 2022 College Football Playoff semifinals, Ohio State was defeated by Georgia.
Sayin’s arrival gives Ohio State the unique advantage of having two elite freshman quarterbacks in the same class.
Sayin is the top dual-threat quarterback, and Noland is the No. 2 pocket passer and ESPN’s No. 31 overall recruit for 2024.
Sayin, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound quarterback, finished as the senior in high school in Carlsbad with 2,369 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just one interception. Before entering his senior year of high school, in 2023, he was named MVP of the Elite 11 finals.
85 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and 7,824 passing yards were his final high school stats.
