Former Alabama 2024 5-star QB Julian Sayin transfers to Ohio State. Here's what it means

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Mon, Jan 22, 2024, 10:50 PM·3 min read

Julian Sayin has joined Ohio State's quarterback room.

The former five-star quarterback who signed with Alabama in the 2024 class, committed to Ohio State Sunday.

Sayin is the third Alabama transfer to join Ohio State ahead of 2024 along with safety Caleb Downs and center Seth McLaughlin.

Here's what Sayin's commitment means for Ohio State moving forward.

What does Julian Sayin's addition mean for the 2024 class?

While Sayin is not an official member of Ohio State's 2024 class, the former five-star quarterback is another young player who comes to Columbus with high expectations.

The Buckeyes signed five five-star prospects in December in wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, wide receiver Mylan Graham, defensive lineman Eddrick Houston, cornerback Aaron Scott and quarterback Air Noland.

Defensive lineman Dominic Kirks committed on Saturday, giving Ohio State the No. 3 recruiting class in 2024 per 247Sports' composite rankings, a ranking that will almost certainly change after Sayin's departure from Alabama's second-ranked 2024 class is factored in.

While Sayin will not be involved directly in Ohio State's recruiting rankings, he represents a class that shows much potential, especially with Smith signed and in Columbus as an early enrollee.

What does Julian Sayin's addition mean for Ryan Day?

Ohio State coach Ryan Day received a commitment from five-star quarterback Julian Sayin on Sunday.

Heading into 2024, Ohio State has a plethora of riches at quarterback, and coach Ryan Day has some decisions to make.

Day's 2024 quarterback class has changed a lot over the past year. Originally Day secured a commitment from five-star signal caller Dylan Raiola, but Raiola ended his commitment to Ohio State and flipped to Georgia before eventually flipping again to Nebraska before early signing day.

Without Raiola, Ohio State added Noland, a left-handed quarterback out of Langston Hughes High School in Georgia – the same program as tight end Jelani Thurman. Noland played a key role in the recruitment of players like Smith, while combining for 6,235 passing yards and 77 touchdowns as a junior and senior per MaxPreps.

And Sunday, Ohio State added Sayin, the No. 1 quarterback in the 2024 class who threw for 2,347 yards, 24 touchdowns and one interception as a senior at Carlsbad High School in California. He also had four rushing touchdowns.

Day has been in a similar situation in his quarterback room, entering 2021 with C.J. Stroud, Quinn Ewers, Kyle McCord and Jack Miller III. Ewers (Texas) and Miller (Florida) transferred after the 2021 season. McCord transferred to Syracuse after his one season as Ohio State's starting quarterback.

With Noland and Sayin — two five-star quarterbacks — Ohio State seemingly has two paths for its future on offense.

Could Julian Sayin start for Ohio State in 2024?

With Sayin and Noland just coming into their freshmen seasons, Ohio State has a much more experienced option for starting quarterback in 2024.

Earlier this month, the Buckeyes added former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard through the transfer portal. He made 27 starts with the Wildcats and has one season of eligibility remaining.

Along with throwing for 5,786 yards, 48 touchdowns and 25 interceptions over four seasons, Howard ran for 921 yards and 19 touchdowns. While obviously a prolific runner, Howard is Kansas State's all-time leader in passing touchdowns.