Insider Predicts Ohio State to Land No. 1 QB Julian Sayin

The No. 1 quarterback in the 2024 class, Julian Sayin, is once again on the market, and according to one insider, the Buckeyes are the favorite to land him.

The Ohio State Buckeyes might not be done in the transfer portal just yet. 

On Friday, Alabama Crimson five-star freshman signee and No. 1 overall quarterback Julian Sayin declared his intentions to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, with Nick Saban's retirement playing a major role in that decision. 

After Saban's retirement, a 30-day window to enter the portal opened up for any player on the roster - including newly signed players from the early signing period. 

And now, it appears that Ohio State could be a landing spot for Sayin. 

Clutch Points

According to reports from On3's Pete Nakos, Ohio State is now the favorite to land Sayin, with the insider logging an RPM prediction with 70 percent confidence for the Buckeyes.

And per to Nakos, it was the hiring of Bill O'Brien that might end up being the deciding factor for the Buckeyes.

Sayin has already a preexisting relationship with new Ohio State offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien. The longtime NFL head coach and offensive coordinator’s most recent stop at the college level was at Alabama, where he helped recruit Sayin for some time. Despite O’Brien leaving the Tide for the 2023 season to head back to the New England Patriots, there is familiarity between the offensive coordinator and quarterback.

All that said, USC would have seemed like the more logical landing spot for Sayin, with the losses of Caleb Williams to the NFL, Malachi Nelson to the transfer portal, and redshirt Miller Moss looking like the likely starter in 2024.

Meanwhile, the Buckeyes already have a crowded quarterback room, meaning if the Buckeyes do ultimately land Sayin, it could cause a ripple effect in the quarterback room. 

Former Alabama DB Caleb Downs Commits to Ohio State

Will Howard is likely to be the starter in 2024 regardless of what happens with Sayin. He is proven, he is a veteran, and he is productive. 

Outside of that, however, anything could happen. Five-star freshman Air Nolan would likely stick around and compete with Sayin, while one of Devin Brown and Lincoln Kienholz would likely be on the move. 

Either way, sitting as the No. 1 QB and No. 5 player nationally, if Sayin wants to come to Columbus, it appears he will have a spot waiting for him.