Julian Sayin Commits to Ohio State Football, per Report

The former Alabama quarterback recruit is transferring to Ohio State.

Top quarterback prospect and former five-star recruit Julian Sayin is transferring to Ohio State, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

The former Alabama signal-caller entered the transfer portal last week shortly after Nick Saban announced his retirement. Sayin, widely considered one of the top quarterbacks in the 2024 class, told ESPN he plans to enroll at Ohio State soon.

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

“Incredibly excited to join the team here at Ohio State,” Sayin said on Sunday. “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.”

The 18-year-old freshman notably picked the Crimson Tide over Ohio State when he first committed in December 2023. But in the wake of Saban’s retirement, Sayin will follow several others out of Tuscaloosa in search of greener grass. He is the third Bama transfer to commit to the Buckeyes for 2024, joining safety Caleb Downs and center Seth McLaughlin.

Sayin will work under former Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien at Ohio State, as O’Brien recently left the Patriots to accept the Buckeyes’ offensive coordinator position in 2024.

The Buckeyes have been on a recruiting tear so far this offseason, adding the likes of Sayin, Downs and two-time All-SEC running back Quinshon Judkins.