The dust may have settled, but phenom quarterback Julian Sayin’s decision to transfer from Alabama to Ohio State certainly caused quite a stir.
The decision, largely influenced by Nick Saban’s shocking retirement, has prompted widespread speculation about the future of this highly touted recruit.
Sayin, a premier quarterback recruit from Southern California, had initially committed to Alabama last December, eager to play under the legendary Saban.
The revered coach, who had established the Crimson Tide as college football’s most feared powerhouse, was a major draw for Sayin.
“We had a great relationship through the recruiting process,” Sayin said. “I loved Coach Saban. I really wanted to go play for him.”
However, Saban’s sudden and abrupt retirement in January, shortly after Alabama’s Rose Bowl loss to Michigan, caught many, including Sayin, off guard.
“I would say we were caught by surprise,” Sayin admitted.
The unexpected departure led Sayin to reassess his plans, especially as the NCAA’s relaxed transfer regulations provided new opportunities.
Following the coaching change, Sayin had a 30-day window to enter the transfer portal, allowing him to explore other options.
Within just nine days, Sayin decided to join Ohio State.
“There was definitely a lot of emotions,” Sayin said, “but I had my family to lean on. They helped me through it, and I was able to make the right decision.”
Sayin’s move to Ohio State was motivated by the program’s esteemed football tradition and its strong history of developing quarterbacks.
His prior relationship with Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, who had shown interest in him before, was also a key factor. Day’s familiarity and the program’s reputation made Ohio State a compelling choice.
“Really, I just wanted to be at a school with a great tradition, great quarterback history, and somewhere I could develop,” Sayin said. (Those NIL deals surely don’t hurt either.)
The coaching staff at Alabama, including Bill O’Brien, who played a role in Sayin’s initial recruitment, had influenced his original decision.
O’Brien’s departure to become the head coach at Boston College further complicated Sayin’s situation.
Nonetheless, Sayin quickly connected with his new offensive coordinator, Chip Kelly, who had previously been at UCLA and had strong ties to California.
Day has highlighted Sayin’s quick release and agility, drawing comparisons to former Buckeye Dwayne Haskins Jr., a Heisman Trophy finalist.
“He’s very twitchy,” Day remarked. “People talk about the twitch like the lower half, but he’s twitchy from the waist up, how fast the ball comes out of his hands. And his mind works that way as well. That’s a good trait to have as a quarterback.”
Kelly, who also oversees quarterbacks, praised Sayin’s composure during practice.
“He stays in the moment,” Kelly said. “That’s the one thing I like about him. If he throws a bad ball, it doesn’t bother him. If he throws a good ball, he doesn’t get overexcited and say, ‘Hey, I just arrived.’ He’s always thinking about the next snap, and he’s done a really good job with it.”
For Sayin, the mental aspect of quarterbacking is paramount. He admires NFL stars Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert for their poise and high football IQ and hopes to emulate their success.
Growing up in San Diego, Sayin was a Chargers fan and looked up to Herbert.
“I think I can be a really good decision maker for the offense,” Sayin said, “and someone who an offensive coordinator can trust.”
Sayin will most likely have to wait his turn to take meaningful snaps under center in Columbus, but the future sure is looking bright.
In other words, Alabama’s loss is Ohio State’s gain.
What are your thoughts on Sayin’s decision to transfer to Ohio State? … Will he end up living up to the massive hype???