In a significant addition to their quarterback roster, Ohio State has welcomed Julian Sayin, a former Alabama signee, according to a report from 247Sports. Sayin, who initially committed to Alabama in November 2022, made the decision to enter the transfer portal after Nick Saban announced his retirement as head coach.

Sayin, ranked as the top quarterback and sixth overall prospect in 247Sports' transfer rankings, is already on campus at Ohio State and will participate in spring practice with the Buckeyes. The transfer occurred within the 30-day window following Alabama's coaching change, making Sayin immediately eligible to play.

The highly sought-after five-star recruit, hailing from Carlsbad High School in California, garnered strong interest from Ohio State during the high school recruiting process. Despite ultimately committing to Alabama, Sayin held Ohio State as a close second choice, making multiple visits to Columbus and expressing admiration for head coach Ryan Day's quarterback-friendly offense. Additionally, Sayin was impressed by wide receiver coach Brian Hartline and the program's reputation for developing talented quarterbacks.

Sayin, who earned the prestigious California Gatorade Player of the Year title, displayed exceptional prowess on the field during his high school career. With impressive stats including 2,347 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and just one interception, Sayin also excelled at the Elite 11 Finals and earned the title of MVP at the Under Armour All-America Game.

Ohio State's quarterback room has seen a significant transformation this offseason with the addition of Sayin. Joining him are four-star recruit Air Noland, ranked as the sixth-best quarterback in the class of 2024, and Will Howard, a four-star transfer from Kansas State. With Ohio State losing Kyle McCord to the transfer portal, Howard is anticipated to be the frontrunner for the starting position, bringing a gritty and hard-nosed style of play that aligns with Coach Day's vision. Howard, who started part-time for three seasons at Kansas State before securing the starting role in 2023, showcased his versatility by accumulating 2,643 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.

However, Howard's eligibility will expire after the 2024 season, thus opening up opportunities for both Noland and Sayin to develop their skills without immediate pressure to step into the starting role. This sets the stage for a compelling quarterback competition heading into the 2025 season, ensuring an exciting athletic calendar for the Buckeyes.

The addition of Julian Sayin bolsters Ohio State's quarterback room and further solidifies the program's commitment to cultivating and nurturing top-tier talent. With an impressive lineup of quarterbacks, the Buckeyes are poised to continue their success on the field in the upcoming seasons.