Julian Sayin recalls the process of flipping to Ohio State after Nick Saban's retirement

The retirement of Nick Saban sent waves across college football and led to changes across the sport. That includes repercussions like the futures of several players such as QB Julian Sayin.

Sayin discussed his transfer from Alabama to Ohio State following the news about Saban during a media availability in Columbus on Tuesday. He recalled the time that he did spent with the Crimson Tide after enrolling early. However, following Saban deciding to retire in early January, it led to a quick turnaround in him electing to enter his name into the portal.

“Yeah, so, I ended up getting to Alabama in like mid-December – went with them to the bowl game, got to practice a little bit with the scout team there,” said Sayin.

“After Coach Saban retired? I had like seven days before I entered the transfer portal,” Sayin added.

Sayin was a Five-Star+ prospect in the incoming class of 2024 per On3’s Industry Ranking. He finished rated as the No. 8 recruit, No. 2 QB, and top player out of the state of California.

Upon his entry in the portal, Sayin was then the No. 1 QB and No. 3 transfer available per On3’s 2024 Transfer Portal Top Players.

With a player of his pedigree back on the market, top programs tried to once again add Sayin. That included the Buckeyes who had a case after recruiting him the first time around with the connections he built with Ryan Day, their original offensive coordinator in Bill O’Brien, and their eventual offensive coordinator in Chip Kelly playing parts.

All that led to a three-day turnaround with Sayin committing to Ohio State. He’s now even happier with his choice because of his experiences already as part of their program.

“When I entered the portal, I knew Coach Day. We had a good relationship through the recruiting process. Then Bill O’Brien was actually the offensive coordinator here. I had a good relationship with him,” said Sayin. “I ended up getting here and then Coach Kelly comes here. Me and him had a good relationship through the recruiting process in California at UCLA.”

“I only had a couple days in the portal. It was a quick decision,” Sayin said. “I think I made the right decision coming up here. Just came to a lot of factors but really I just wanted to be at a school with great tradition, great quarterback history, and somewhere where I could develop.”

Sayin will be one of the top prospects for Ohio State in the coming years. That’s why he’s now as glad as he is to have joined them are they are to have added him, even though that was not the original plan for anyone involved.

“It was just a good fit all-around,” said Sayin. “I just couldn’t be any happier to be here.”