Ex-Alabama quarterback recruit Julian Sayin transferring to Ohio State

Julian Sayin, one of the top quarterback recruits in the 2024 class, has decided to transfer to Ohio State, after entering the transfer portal Friday. 

Sayin told ESPN that he would be enrolling at Ohio State soon and that he plans on participating in spring practice with the Buckeyes. 

In early January, the quarterback had just enrolled at Alabama, where Sayin originally wanted to go to in order to play for Nick Saban.

That was until the legendary college football coach retired on Jan 10. 

“Incredibly excited to join the team here at Ohio State,” Sayin told ESPN of the decision. “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 already has some familiarity with the Ohio State coaching staff through his recruitment process coming out of high school.

The five-star recruit also has a relationship with Bill O’Brien, who was part of Alabama’s recruitment and recently joined the Buckeyes as offensive coordinator. 

The Buckeyes already have a pretty deep quarterback room, with former Kansas State QB Will Howard transferring in for the 2024 season. 

Devin Brown, Lincoln Kienholz and Air Noland are also on the Ohio State roster. 

Ohio State is coming off an 11-2 season and a 14-3 loss to Missouri in the Cotton Bowl.

Sayin’s departure marks another loss for Alabama, which has seen a number of players leave after Saban announced he was retiring. 

Former Washington coach Kalen DeBoer took over for Saban, and the new Alabama coach told reporters on Friday that he was “really not alarmed at all” by the many roster changes since he joined the Crimson Tide. 

Freshman All-American safety Caleb Downs, top returning wide receiver Isaiah Bond and seven others have been among those have left the program since Saban retired.