Ohio State emerges as leader for 5-star quarterback transfer Julian Sayin

One of the most promising college football transfers could be leaning towards Ohio State after leaving Alabama this offseason

The domino effect of Nick Saban's retirement could ultimately benefit Ohio State in the 2024 college football transfer portal market as former five-star quarterback prospect Julian Sayin has entered his name into the NCAA database and the Buckeyes have suddenly emerged as the favorite to earn his commitment.

Sayin was arguably Saban's most important 2024 recruiting addition, but with the seven-time national champion's retirement, the quarterback is moving on, and the addition of one assistant coach, in particular, could reap some benefits for OSU.

Bill O'Brien recently came onboard as Ohio State offensive coordinator, a noteworthy development as regards Sayin's transfer prospects, since O'Brien was one of the coaches the quarterback originally wanted to play for, back when the former was offensive coordinator with the Crimson Tide.

O'Brien joining the Buckeyes' staff could be the final piece in the puzzle for Sayin, who is now trending towards Ohio State, according to the 247Sports Crystal Ball. All three current predictions concerning the quarterback project he will sign with the Buckeyes, including that of director of football recruiting Steve Wiltfong.

We named Ohio State as one of five potential landing spots for Sayin, also given the addition of O'Brien to head coach Ryan Day's staff, but the Buckeyes have some competition to sign the quarterback, including inside the SEC.

On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine also includes Ohio State in its projection for Sayin, coming in with a 46.7 percent shot to sign the quarterback. But it's USC out in front on that service, with a 53.3 percent chance to earn Sayin's pledge.

Should he pick Ohio State, Sayin would in all likelihood sit one season behind presumptive starter Will Howard, the veteran who transferred from Kansas State this offseason to lead the offense.

Sayin was the No. 3 quarterback in the 2024 recruiting class, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings and a unanimous five-star prospect across all the other national recruiting services.

A former MVP at the Elite 11 Finals for the nation's best quarterbacks, Sayin finished his high school career in Carlsbad, Calif., with 7,824 passing yards, 85 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.

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