Former Alabama quarterback Julian Sayin, ESPN's No. 3 overall prospect in the Class of 2024 and the top offensive prospect in his recruiting class, has announced his decision to transfer to Ohio State. The news comes in the aftermath of Nick Saban's retirement from Alabama, prompting Sayin to enter the NCAA transfer portal on Friday.
Sayin, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound dual-threat quarterback, enrolled at Alabama in early January but made the decision to leave following Saban's retirement. Now, he is set to join Ohio State for spring practice and is eager to contribute to the team's success.
"Incredibly excited to join the team here at Ohio State," Sayin expressed.
"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."
Sayin's familiarity with Ohio State's coaching staff, particularly new Buckeye coordinator and quarterback coach Bill O'Brien, played a significant role in his decision. O'Brien had been part of Sayin's early recruitment to Alabama before joining Ohio State last week.
The quarterback expressed gratitude to his family for their unwavering support, especially as he embarks on a journey from Southern California to Ohio. Sayin played high school football in Carlsbad, north of San Diego, where he amassed impressive stats, throwing for 2,369 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just one interception in his senior year.
Ohio State's quarterback room welcomes Sayin amidst an offseason of significant changes for the Buckeyes. The team, coming off a two-game losing streak and a third-straight loss to Michigan, has bolstered its roster with several key additions from the NCAA transfer portal, including freshman All-American safety Caleb Downs and two-time All-SEC tailback Quinshon Judkins.
The addition of Sayin is a notable boost to Ohio State's quarterback depth, joining the likes of Will Howard, Devin Brown, Lincoln Kienholz, and Air Noland. The Buckeyes also secured top players in other positions, enhancing both the offensive and defensive sides of the team.
Ohio State finished the previous season 11-2, reaching the College Football Playoff semi-finals in 2022 but falling short to Georgia. With the infusion of talent, including the arrival of Sayin, the Buckeyes are poised for a strong campaign in 2024. The quarterback's impressive high school career, coupled with his ESPN rankings as the top overall quarterback and No. 1 dual-threat, adds an exciting dynamic to Ohio State's football program.
