Former Alabama QB Julian Sayin to transfer to Ohio State - ESPN

Former Alabama quarterback Julian Sayin, ESPN's top quarterback recruit in the 2024 class, is transferring to Ohio State, he told ESPN on Sunday.

Sayin entered the NCAA transfer portal on Friday in the wake of Nick Saban's retirement from Alabama. He's ESPN's No. 3 overall prospect in the Class of 2024 and the top offensive prospect in his recruiting class.

Sayin plans to enroll soon and will compete for Ohio State in spring practice. Sayin left Alabama after enrolling there in early January and Saban retiring soon after his arrival.

«Incredibly excited to join the team here at Ohio State,» Sayin told ESPN 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.»

Sayin brought experience with both the Ohio State staff from his high school recruiting process and a relationship with new Buckeye coordinator and quarterback coach Bill O'Brien. He'd been part of Sayin's early recruitment to Alabama. (O'Brien left for the Patriots for the 2023 season before getting hired at Ohio State last week.)

Sayin thanked his family for their support, as his hectic January will now feature him moving into a second city more than 1,000 miles from Southern California. He played high school football in Carlsbad, which is north of San Diego.

«My family has been so supportive and sacrificed so much throughout my football journey,» he said. «I'm so proud and grateful to share this moment with them.»

Sayin will join a strong quarterback room at Ohio State that includes former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard, who brings 27 starts with his transfer as he enters his