ESPN REPORT; Just Now Coach Ryan Day Announce Five-star Quarterback  Recruit In The 2024 Class Land To Ohio State  Buckeyes From Alabama

 

Former Alabama quarterback Julian Sayin, the top-ranked QB recruit in ESPN’s 2024 class, has announced he is transferring to Ohio State, following Nick Saban’s retirement. Sayin entered the NCAA transfer portal on Friday after Saban’s departure. Ranked as the No. 3 overall prospect in the 2024 class and the top offensive recruit, Sayin will soon enroll at Ohio State and participate in the team’s spring practices.

Sayin’s decision comes shortly after his enrollment at Alabama in early January, following Saban’s retirement. Expressing excitement about the move, Sayin said he has long respected Ohio State’s program and looks forward to learning from its talented coaches and players while contributing to the team’s success.

Sayin is familiar with Ohio State’s coaching staff, particularly with new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Bill O’Brien. O’Brien had been involved in Sayin’s early recruitment to Alabama before leaving for the Patriots in 2023 and later joining Ohio State. Sayin also expressed gratitude to his family for their ongoing support, as his transition now involves moving from Southern California to Ohio, over 1,000 miles away.

At Ohio State, Sayin will join a competitive quarterback room, which includes former Kansas State QB Will Howard, who has 27 career starts, and Devin Brown, entering his third season. Also present are Lincoln Kienholz, starting his second year, and freshman Air Noland. The Buckeyes’ 2023 starter, Kyle McCord, transferred to Syracuse.

This move is part of a larger offseason overhaul at Ohio State, which follows a difficult end to the 2023 season. The Buckeyes lost to Michigan for the third consecutive year, then fell to Missouri in the Cotton Bowl. In response, Ohio State has made several key additions from the transfer portal, including Sayin, freshman All-American safety Caleb Downs, two-time All-SEC running back Quinshon Judkins, and Alabama center Seth McLaughlin to bolster the offensive line.

Despite the roster changes, Ohio State retained several players with NFL draft potential, such as wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, running back TreVeyon Henderson, and guard Donovan Jackson. On defense, key contributors like J.T. Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, and Tyleik Williams return to the defensive line, while cornerback Denzel Burke’s unexpected return strengthens the secondary.

Ohio State finished the 2023 season with an 11-2 record, ending with back-to-back losses to Michigan and Missouri. This offseason’s additions, including Sayin, give Ohio State a unique advantage, as they now have two of the top quarterbacks from the 2024 class. Sayin, ranked as the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback, joins Noland, the No. 31 recruit and the No. 2 pocket passer.

Sayin, who stands at 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, had an impressive high school career, throwing for 2,369 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just one interception in his senior season. He was named MVP of the 2023 Elite 11 finals and finished his high school career with 7,824 passing yards, 85 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.