Why did Julian Sayin transfer to Ohio State? Exploring Buckeyes' star's decision to join Ryan Day's team

Julian Sayin was considered ESPN's top quarterback recruit in the 2024 class. He was initially an early enrollee at the Alabama Crimson Tide, soaking up knowledge from a QB talent factory that has produced the likes of Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Bryce Young in recent NFL drafts.

However, upon the completion of the 2023 college football season, Sayin decided to enter the transfer portal. He subsequently joined the Ohio State Buckeyes as the program's latest high-caliber recruit. Let's take a look at the reason behind Sayin's departure from the Crimson Tide and transfer to the Buckeyes.

Why did Julian Sayin transfer to the Ohio State Buckeyes?

According to Sports Illustrated, Julian Sayin left the Alabama Crimson Tide and joined the Ohio State Buckeyes mainly because college football legend Nick Saban retired.

When asked for the rationale behind his decision to jump ship from Bama, Sayin said,

"I came because of Coach Saban. We had a superb relationship during the recruiting process. I love Coach Saban and wanted to play for him."

The former high school star continued,

"The new staff that came in, we did not have a relationship before when I got there, so I just felt like it was the best move for me to come out here."

Sayin then explained his reasoning for choosing the Ohio State Buckeyes amid many offers in the transfer portal. He said,

"I think there's really good quarterback development in OSU. Coach Day is a top-notch quarterback whisperer. The QBs they've had in just the past five years have put up solid numbers and have done things the right way. I wanted to come into this offense and be coached by him."

Sayin's departure from Alabama was considered a significant loss for new head coach Kalen DeBoer.

Julian Sayin starts the season as Buckeyes' QB3

According to ESPN, Julian Sayin will start the 2024 college football season behind Will Howard and Devin Brown on the QB depth chart. Howard has tons of experience starting games at the collegiate level, amassing 28 starts with Kansas State and guiding the team to a 2022 Big 12 title.

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day said on the decision,

"We are very excited about Will being the starter. He has thoroughly taken command of the offense. You feel him in the huddle; you feel his high-level experience... He is really executing well."

Brown will be the Buckeyes' first backup quarterback to start the season. However, Sayin remains a major contender for the QB2 job as the collegiate football season approaches.