Julian Sayin, a former Alabama quarterback and the #1 quarterback prospect for ESPN in the 2024 class, said on Sunday that he would be moving to Ohio State.

Sayin registered on the NCAA transfer portal on Friday following Alabama head coach Nick Saban’s retirement. He is the best offensive prospect in his recruitment class and is ranked third overall by ESPN for the Class of 2024.

Sayin intends to enroll shortly and participate in spring practice at Ohio State. Sayin enrolled in Alabama and left in early January; Saban retired shortly thereafter.

Sayin told ESPN on Sunday that he was very happy to join the squad here at Ohio State.During my whole recruiting process, I held this program in the highest regard. I am excited to learn from some of the best players and coaches in college football and to help our team succeed.

Sayin brought a relationship with new Buckeye coordinator and quarterback coach Bill O’Brien, as well as experience working with the Ohio State coaches from his high school recruitment process. He had participated in Sayin’s initial recruitment to Alabama. (O’Brien signed a 2023 contract with the Patriots; he was hired by Ohio State last week.)

Sayin praised his family for their support, adding that he will be moving more than 1,000 miles from Southern California to a second city during his busy January. North of San Diego, in Carlsbad, he was a high school football player.

ideal candidates for a transfer to Alabama Julian Sayin: The current location of the #1 quarterback prospect”Throughout my football adventure, my family has been so supportive and has made so many sacrifices, he stated. “I’m really appreciative and proud to be here with them at this time.

Sayin, who is entering his last college season, will join a talented quarterback room at Ohio State that features former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard, who brings 27 starts with his move.In 2024, Air Noland will begin his first season, Lincoln Kienholz will begin his second, and Devin Brown will begin his third. Kyle McCord, a starter the previous season, transferred to Syracuse.

Sayin’s arrival for the Buckeyes, who start 2024 on a two-game losing streak that included the program’s third straight loss to Michigan, continues an offseason of major upheaval.

Three of the best players in the NCAA transfer portal have joined Ohio State: Sayin, two-time All-SEC tailback Quinshon Judkins, and rookie All-American safety Blake Downs. With Alabama center Seth McLaughlin, they also strengthened the offensive line.

Additionally, Ohio State brought back a number of players that were considered to be NFL Draft candidates before the beginning of the 2023 campaign, such as guard Donovan Jackson, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, and tailback TreVeyon Henderson.

On defense, star cornerback Denzel Burke’s unexpected comeback showcases the secondary, while ends J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, as well as tackle Tylerik Williams, return along the offensive line.

After beginning the previous season 11-0 for the second straight year, Ohio State finished 11-2. OSU fell to Missouri in the Cotton Bowl this year and to Georgia in the 2022 College Football Playoff Semifinals.

Sayin’s arrival provides Ohio State’s potent quarterback room with an extra burst of talent. Ohio State now has two elite freshman quarterbacks in the same class, which is a unique circumstance.

Noland is the No. 2 pocket passer and ESPN’s No. 31 overall recruit for 2024. According to ESPN, Sayin is the best quarterback overall and the top dual-threat quarterback.

Sayin, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound quarterback, finished as a senior in high school in Carlsbad with 2,369 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just one interception. Before entering his senior year of high school, in 2023, he was named MVP of the Elite 11 finals.

85 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and 7,824 passing yards were his final high school stats.