Ex-Alabama quarterback recruit moving to Ohio State

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

Sayin told ESPN that he plans to enroll at Ohio State soon and participate in spring practice with the Buckeyes.

In early January, the quarterback had just enrolled at Alabama, where he had hoped to play for Nick Saban.

That is, until the legendary college football coach retired on January 10.

“Incredibly excited to join the team here at Ohio State,” Sayin told ESPN. “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 is already familiar with the Ohio State coaching staff from his high school recruitment.

The five-star recruit also knows Bill O’Brien, who was part of Alabama’s recruiting team and recently joined Ohio State as offensive coordinator.

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

The Ohio State roster also includes Devin Brown, Lincoln Kienholz, and Air Noland.

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

Sayin’s departure marks another loss for Alabama, which has lost several players since Saban announced his retirement.

Former Washington coach Kalen DeBoer replaced Saban, and the new Alabama coach told reporters on Friday that he was “really not alarmed at all” by the Crimson Tide’s numerous roster changes since his arrival.

“I’m really not alarmed at all,” Kalen DeBoer said of all the changes with the Alabama roster and coaching staff.

— Michael Casagrande (@ByCasagrande) January 19, 2024

Freshman All-American safety Caleb Downs, top returning wide receiver Isaiah Bond, and seven other players have left the program since Saban’s retirement.

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