Julian Sayin confirms Nick Saban retirement was the main reason for flip to Ohio State

On Dec. 20, Class of 2024 prospect Julian Sayin signed with Alabama. However, after Nick Saban retired in January, Sayin entered the transfer portal and re-examined his options.

It didn’t take Sayin long to make his decision. On Jan. 21, the California native committed to Ohio State. On Tuesday, the highly-touted quarterback pulled back the curtain on his decision to move on from Alabama.

“I came because of Coach Saban. We had a great relationship throughout the recruiting process,” Sayin said. “I love Coach Saban and I really wanted to play for him. The new staff that came in, we didn’t have a relationship prior to when I got there, so I just felt like it was the best decision for me to come out here.”

It was a major loss for Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer. Sayin played high school football at Carlsbad High School (CA), where he was a five-star prospect and the No. 2 overall quarterback in the 2024 recruiting cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking.

Experts have high expectations for Sayin. When Sayin was in high school, On3 compared the standout QB to former Alabama quarterback Mac Jones.

“Julian Sayin’s accuracy and feel as an in-structure passer reminds us of Mac Jones. Sayin was more productive and plays in a spread offense, while Jones is bigger and worked primarily from under center at the prep level.”

Despite the comparison, Sayin will not follow in Jones’ footsteps at Alabama. Along with Saban’s exit, Sayin pointed to his pre-existing relationship with OSU head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly as a reason for his transfer to OSU.

“I felt like there’s really good quarterback development here,” Sayin said. “Coach Day is a great quarterback whisperer. The quarterbacks they’ve had in just the past five years have really put up great numbers and have just really done things the right way.

“I wanted to come into this offense and be coached by him, be coached by Coach Kelly, make adjustments at the line — that type of thing.”

Ohio State has produced its fair share of quarterback talent in the past five years, including NFL starters such as Justin Fields and CJ Stroud. Sayin can only hope to be next in line. Alas, there will be competition for the spotlight.

Ohio State’s QB room is loaded with talent, including Kansas State transfer Will Howard and first-year four-star Air Noland. Of course, Ohio State’s QB unit also still includes returning Lincoln Kienholz and Devin Brown, as well.