Julian Sayin picks Ohio State: What it means for the Buckeyes

Ohio State earned the pledge of 5-star transfer Julian Sayin. What does it mean as the Buckeyes look ahead?

An already active offseason for Ohio State took another positive turn when former 5-star quarterback prospect and surprise transfer Julian Sayin gave his commitment to the Buckeyes. 

After he initially pledged to Alabama, the quarterback entered the transfer portal after Nick Saban's retirement and will be in Columbus with the football team when it begins spring practice for the 2024 season.

"[I'm] 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."

Why Ohio State?

The presence of Bill O'Brien on the Buckeyes' coaching staff could have been the clincher. Back when he was a varsity recruit, Sayin originally committed to Alabama in order to play not just for Nick Saban, but also O'Brien, who was the Crimson Tide's offensive coordinator at the time.

Now, with Saban out of the picture and O'Brien landing at Ohio State as offensive coordinator, combined with Ryan Day's experience cultivating offensive players for the NFL Draft, that seemed to leave the Buckeyes as the next-best available option.

Will he play this season?

While it's possible he could get some snaps here or there in 2024, don't bet on Sayin starting for the Buckeyes, thanks to the commitment of veteran transfer Will Howard. 

Howard has just one year of eligibility left, so he'll leave Columbus after this season no matter what happens. 

A dual threat with 67 all-purpose touchdowns, Howard brings needed experience to the position. It would take some major and unwelcome development for the Buckeyes if Sayin were to get extended playing time.

What the Ohio State QB room looks like

1. Will Howard
2. Devin Brown
3. Lincoln Kienholz
4. Air Noland or Julian Sayin, TBD this spring

Will Howard is the presumptive starter, while Kienholz and Brown remain behind him on the depth chart. Five-star quarterback prospect Air Noland joined Ohio State's 2024 recruiting class, and Sayin rounds out the QB room.

Brown is a 2022 recruit and Kienholz signed in 2023, and given the sudden turnover at the position, it's possible that one or both transfer out of Ohio State when the spring window opens up.

It's also unlikely that both Noland or Sayin would finish their careers with the Buckeyes provided one of them takes and holds the starting job. By having both on the roster, Ohio State picks up some insurance that one of them will play up to their potential.

Julian Sayin recruiting profile

Sayin is the consensus No. 1 ranked quarterback in the 2024 recruiting class, the No. 5 overall prospect nationally, and the top-ranked player from California this cycle, when taking an average of the four major national recruiting services. All services unanimously herald him as a five-star player regardless of position.

Sayin is "the most refined and accurate passer in the 2024 cycle," according to On3 Sports. 

The Elite 11 Finals MVP also "touts one of the quickest releases in the cycle with a tight, compact throwing motion. Has outstanding overall mechanics. Consistently throws in rhythm, marrying his eyes, upper body, and feet. The ball gets out quick... Navigates the pocket with ease and with intention... Decisive passer who reads the field quickly and efficiently."

As a junior, Sayin hit almost 67 percent of his passes for 2,708 yards with 27 touchdowns and just 4 interceptions.

What his coach said

Thad MacNeal, who coached Sayin during his high school career in Carlsbad, Calif, said that the quarterback had Ohio State very high on his list through his recruiting process.

"They were actually No. 2 for him," MacNeal said to 247Sports.

"They were actually a close second and he visited at least two times that I know of. He loved Ryan Day and the offense and how quarterback friendly he is. Ohio State has done a great job developing quarterbacks there and Julian really likes [Buckeyes wide receivers coach and recruiter Brian] Hartline, too.

"He was involved in recruiting Julian and they always have a great WR room and that's obviously a huge deal if you're a quarterback."

Ohio State football schedule 2024

Aug. 31 vs. Akron
Sept. 7 vs. Western Mich.
Sept. 14 Idle
Sept. 21 vs. Marshall
Sept. 28 at Michigan State
Oct. 5 vs. Iowa
Oct. 12 at Oregon
Oct. 19 Idle
Oct. 26 vs. Nebraska
Nov. 2 at Penn State
Nov. 9 vs. Purdue
Nov. 16 at Northwestern
Nov. 23 vs. Indiana
Nov. 30 vs. Michigan
Dec. 7 Big Ten Championship

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