Top-ranked 2024 Alabama quarterback recruit to enter transfer portal after Nick Saban retirement: report

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Nick Saban’s retirement continues to have a major impact on the Alabama football program. 

Julian Sayin, the top-ranked quarterback of ESPN’s 2024 class, intends to enter the transfer portal, according to ESPN. 

Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts to a play during the third quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Sayin enrolled early at Alabama and started classes in January. He will enter the portal as he "came to play for Saban," according to the report. 

ALABAMA’S DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS REVEALS NICK SABAN’S ROLE WITH PROGRAM FOLLOWING RETIREMENT

The Crimson Tide have seen several players enter the portal since Saban announced his retirement from coaching after 17 seasons at Alabama. 

On Wednesday, star safety Caleb Downs entered the transfer portal after being named a second-team All-American in his freshman season. 

"Our time is so short, and we don't have time to look at a lot of unknowns," Gary Downs, Caleb’s father, told 247 Sports. "It has to be previous relationships with people. We want to try and find a place with stability, the same coach and same coordinators, knowing you have to be prepared for change.

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"He just turned 19. This is a lot for him to process right now. You don't go into this situation thinking about transferring."

Defensive back Caleb Downs, #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide, walks to the field before the CFP Semifinal Rose Bowl Game against the Michigan Wolverines at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 1, 2024, in Pasadena,