Five-star QB, Alabama transfer Julian Sayin commits to Buckeyes

COLUMBUS — Ohio State is still adding talent and depth through the transfer portal. The Buckeyes are bringing in another transfer quarterback for the future of the room.

Alabama transfer and 2024 five-star quarterback Julian Sayin committed to the Buckeyes on Sunday, just a few days after going in the portal. He signed with Alabama’s recruiting class in December, before Nick Saban retired.

Sayin joins four-star quarterback signee Air Noland in the loaded Ohio State 2024 recruiting class. Both players will be massive parts of the future at signal-caller for the Buckeyes.

Sayin played high school football at Carlsbad (Calif.) where he was a Five-Star Plus+ prospect. He was the No. 5 overall recruit in the 2024 cycle. That’s according to the On3 Industry Ranking. He finished as the No. 1 QB in the class and the top overall player out of California.

The five-star quarterback signed with the Crimson Tide and began participating during bowl practices. He was one of two five-star prospects to sign with the Tide before Saban retired. Sayin committed to Alabama in fall 2022, when now-Buckeyes offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien was the offensive coordinator at Alabama.

Sayin was at the top of the quarterback board originally for Ohio State alongside former Buckeyes commit Dylan Raiola, who decommitted from Ohio State to commit to Georgia before flipping to — and signing with — Nebraska. The Buckeyes liked Sayin early in the process before he shut his recruitment down early, deciding to give his pledge to the Crimson Tide.

He didn’t the Buckeyes during his junior or senior season of high school.

Now, however, he is committing to Ryan Day and Ohio State to join the Alabama-to-Ohio State movement, which includes Crimson Tide starting center Seth McLaughlin and true freshman starting safety Caleb Downs.

Julian Sayin is choosing Ohio State. And the Buckeyes quarterback room is loaded for years to come.

Julian Sayin scouting report from On3

On3 Director of Scouting Charles Power had this to say about Sayin:

The most refined and accurate passer in the 2024 cycle. Measured in at over 6-foot-1, 195 pounds with a 9.25-inch hand prior to his senior season. Touts one of the quickest releases in the cycle with a tight, compact throwing motion. Has outstanding overall mechanics. Consistently throws in rhythm, marrying his eyes, upper body and feet. Generates good zip on short and intermediate passes. The ball gets out quick. Layers his passes with ease, delivering with advanced touch. Hits receivers in stride. A good deep ball thrower. Comfortable passer on the run with the ability to deliver from off-platform. Navigates the pocket with ease and with intention. Plays on his toes and has quick, reactive feet. A surgical passer on Friday nights. Decisive passer who reads the field quickly and efficiently. Turned in an efficient junior season, completing 66.5% of his passes for 2,708 yards (11.1 yards per attempt) and 27 touchdowns against 4 interceptions. Also rushed for 154 yards and three scores. A standout in neutral settings, as he was named the On3 MVP at the Elite 11 Finals and OT7 Finals prior to his senior season. Does not possess the eye-popping physical traits of some of his highly-touted peers. Can continue building on his improvisational skills and overall creativity as he often wins from within structure. Considered a very safe quarterback prospect with a high floor at the next level.

On3 Director of Scouting Charles Power