Alabama QB Julian Sayin
With former five-star quarterback prospect Julian Sayin’s name in the NCAA database and the Buckeyes suddenly the favorite to win his commitment, the ripple effect of Nick Saban’s retirement may ultimately help Ohio State in the 2024 college football transfer portal market.
Although Sayin was likely Saban’s most significant recruiting addition for 2024, the quarterback is moving on following his retirement as a seven-time national champion, and OSU may profit from the addition of one assistant coach in particular.
Recently, Bill O’Brien joined Ohio State as offensive coordinator. This is significant for Sayin’s transfer prospects because O’Brien was one of the coaches the quarterback first desired to play for while he was the Crimson Tide’s offensive coordinator.
Sayin is now leaning toward Ohio State, and O’Brien joining the Buckeyes’ staff might be the last piece in the puzzle, according to the 247Sports Crystal Ball. All three of the current projections, including director of football recruiting Steve Wiltfong’s, indicate that the quarterback project will sign with the Buckeyes.
Given O’Brien’s appointment to head coach Ryan Day’s staff, we included Ohio State as one of Sayin’s five possible destinations; nevertheless, the Buckeyes have competition from other SEC schools for the quarterback’s signature.
According to On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Ohio State has a 46.7 percent chance of signing Sayin when it comes to projections. However, USC leads in that regard, with a 53.3 percent chance of winning Sayin’s commitment.
Sayin would most likely be one season behind projected starter Will Howard, the veteran who transferred from Kansas State this offseason to spearhead the offense, if he chose Ohio State.
Sayin was rated as the third-best quarterback in the 2024 recruiting class by all national recruiting services and as high as number three in the 247Sports Composite Rankings.
Sayin, who concluded his high school career in Carlsbad, California, with 7,824 passing yards, 85 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, was the MVP of the previous Elite 11 Finals for the top quarterbacks at the country.
