Alabama QB Transfer Julian Sayin Finds New Home at Ohio State

ATLANTA, Ga. — Julian Sayin, a former five-star quarterback recruit for Alabama, has found a new home at Ohio State after a whirlwind offseason that included the retirement of legendary coach Nick Saban and a transfer decision that reshaped his college football career.

Sayin, who committed to Alabama in the 2024 recruiting class, enrolled early and joined the Crimson Tide for practices ahead of their Rose Bowl semifinal appearance against Michigan. He quickly impressed the coaching staff, with Saban praising his accuracy, intelligence, and consistency. “Julian is an outstanding player,” Saban said. “The ball comes out of his hand real nice. Heu2019s accurate. Heu2019s smart. Heu2019s had a great high school career.”

However, Sabanu2019s sudden retirement in January sent shockwaves through the program. Sayin, one of the most coveted quarterback prospects in the country, was among those caught off guard. “It was definitely a little surprising,” Sayin said during media availability in Atlanta, where Ohio State is preparing to face Notre Dame in the national championship game on Monday.

Following Sabanu2019s departure, Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne appointed Kalen DeBoer as the new head coach. Sayin, who lacked a prior relationship with DeBoer, entered the transfer portal shortly after. “I just didnu2019t really have a relationship with them,” Sayin explained. “Just felt like I should enter the portal and ended up at a great spot here.”

Sayin landed at Ohio State, drawn by the programu2019s reputation for developing quarterbacks under head coach Ryan Day. “Coach (Chip) Kelly wasnu2019t actually here when I committed, but coach Day and the way heu2019s always been able to develop quarterbacks,” Sayin said. “Just wanted to be part of that.”

In his freshman season with the Buckeyes, Sayin served as a backup to Will Howard, appearing in four games and completing five of 12 passes for 84 yards and a touchdown. He also saw brief action in Ohio Stateu2019s playoff win over Tennessee. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly echoed Sabanu2019s praise, saying, “As high as he wants it to be. I think heu2019s a tremendously talented player. Heu2019s got a great work ethic.”

Sayin, a native of Carlsbad, Calif., has spent his first year in Columbus refining his skills. “A lot of just learning about the game,” he said. “Learning more about how to be a quarterback in college football.”

Looking ahead, Sayin will compete for the starting quarterback role in 2025 alongside Lincoln Kienholtz and incoming freshman Tavien St. Clair. For now, his focus remains on supporting the Buckeyes as they prepare for Mondayu2019s national championship game against Notre Dame, set to kick off at 6:30 p.m. CT in Atlanta and air on ESPN.