Alabama Losing Top Freshman QB Julian Sayin to Transfer Portal, per Report

The coveted 2024 recruit recently enrolled in classes to get an early start for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama freshman quarterback Julian Sayin has entered the transfer portal less than two weeks after Nick Saban’s retirement, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Friday morning.

The 18-year-old from Carlsbad, Calif., initially chose Alabama over LSU, Texas and Ohio State when he first committed.

Sayin is one of the top-ranked quarterbacks in the 2024 national class, according to several media outlets. The freshman enrolled early at Alabama, as he first started taking classes this month with the intent to be ready for the 2024 season.

However, Sayin primarily chose Alabama to play for Saban, Thamel reports, so the coaching change prompted this decision. New Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer also is bringing a quarterback with him from Washington, as Austin Mack will be joining DeBoer in moving to Tuscaloosa following his redshirt freshman season.

Alabama reportedly has lost its top quarterback recruit for 2024, Julian Sayin, to the transfer portal :: Dale Zanine/USA Today network

Alabama has seen many players enter the transfer portal in the wake of the team’s coaching change, including sophomore wide receiver Isaiah Bond and freshman safety Caleb Downs. Saban still is expected to be around the program, but his retirement from coaching has led to players’ exploring their options in the transfer portal.