We learned late last week that Julian Sayin, the No. 3 overall prospect and No. 1 quarterback in the 2024 recruiting class, was leaving the Alabama Crimson Tide. Now, we know where he's headed: the Ohio State Buckeyes.
NEWS: Former Alabama quarterback Julian Sayin told ESPN on Sunday that he?s transferring to Ohio State. Sayin is ESPN?s top quarterback recruit in the 2024 class and No. 3 overall player. He?ll enroll soon at OSU and compete in spring practice. pic.twitter.com/Cbl6Au46mF
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 21, 2024
According to Pete Thamel of ESPN, Sayin will head to Ohio State and compete in spring practice. He joins a depth chart with Will Howard, Devin Brown, Lincoln Kienholz and more.
Sayin to ESPN: ?Incredibly excited to join the team here at Ohio State. 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?
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 21, 2024
"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 enrolled briefly at Alabama before leaving in the wake of Nick Saban?s retirement. He?s a decorated prospect, who finished his high school career in Carlsbad, Calif., with 7,824 passing yards, 85 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 21, 2024
Thamel mentioned that Sayin left after the retirement of coach Nick Saban, and the freshman is not alone. Other players including Caleb Downs also have left the program. Downs happened to also head to Ohio State.
Here are some other recent Crimson Tide transfers:
- Jameer Grimsley, cornerback, to Florida
- Kadyn Proctor, offensive tackle, to Iowa
- Trey Amos, cornerback, to Ole Miss
- Amari Niblack, tight end, to Texas
- Ian Jackson, linebacker, to University of Texas as San Antonio
- Antonio Kite, safety, to Auburn
Playing high school ball in Carlsbad, California, Sayin threw for 7,824 yards, 85 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, Thamel noted.
Following the announcement of his heading to Ohio State, fans on X offered some thoughts on the move.
Buckeyes still wont beat Michigan or the former Pac 12 teams that are coming in to dominate the Big Ten
— Steve B (@OCHalosFan) January 21, 2024
"Buckeyes still wont beat Michigan or the former Pac 12 teams that are coming in to dominate the Big Ten," someone said.
Will Howard isnt so sure to be the starter in Columbus this year.
— Mark A.Kern II (@Markkern111) January 21, 2024
"Will Howard isnt so sure to be the starter in Columbus this year," a user said.
Michigan winning a Natty was lowkey the best thing to ever happen to Ohio State?s NIL efforts
— Penn State Talk (@PSURecruitTalk) January 21, 2024
"Michigan winning a Natty was lowkey the best thing to ever happen to Ohio State's NIL efforts," one user noted.
lol Ohio State saw Michigan win a national title and literally vowed to never let that happen again https://t.co/6QHWhwguVb
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) January 21, 2024
"lol Ohio State saw Michigan win a national title and literally vowed to never let that happen again," another said.
We now look forward to spring practice to see how Sayin performs under the tutelage of head coach Ryan Day and new offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien.
