The top-ranked quarterback in the 2024 class, Julian Sayin from Alabama, has announced his entry into the NCAA Transfer Portal, and Ohio State is reportedly in the mix.
The Ohio State Buckeyes may not have concluded their activity in the transfer portal. Recently, Julian Sayin, a five-star freshman signee and the No. 1 overall quarterback from Alabama, expressed his intention to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. His decision is heavily influenced by Nick Saban’s retirement. Following Saban’s departure, a 30-day window opened for any player on the roster, including those recently signed in the early signing period.
Now, it seems Ohio State is a potential destination for Sayin. According to reports by On3’s Pete Nakos, Ohio State and USC are early contenders to acquire Sayin, with the hiring of the new Buckeyes offensive coordinator, Bill O’Brien, potentially influencing his decision.
“The Buckeyes have hired Bill O’Brien as their next offensive coordinator,” Nakos stated. “The longtime NFL head coach and offensive coordinator’s most recent stop at the college level was at Alabama, where he helped recruit Sayin for some time. Despite O’Brien leaving the Tide for the 2023 season to head back to the New England Patriots, there is familiarity there.”
Although USC appears to be a more logical choice for Sayin, given the departures of Caleb Williams and Malachi Nelson, with Miller Moss likely to start in 2024, landing Sayin at Ohio State could impact the quarterback room.
“Ohio State has restructured its quarterback room this offseason, with Kyle McCord leaving and Kansas State transfer Will Howard coming,” Nakos explained. “The Buckeyes also have an early enrollee at quarterback, four-star Air Noland. How adding Sayin would impact Noland’s future remains to be seen. Devin Brown and Lincoln Kienholz are also in the quarterback room. Quarterbacks coach Corey Dennis is set to move into a new role with O’Brien’s hiring.”
Regardless of the outcome, Will Howard is poised to be the starter in 2024 due to his experience and productivity. The addition of Sayin could lead to changes in the quarterback lineup, with Air Nolan potentially staying to compete, and adjustments for Devin Brown and Lincoln Kienholz. As the No. 1 quarterback and the fifth-ranked player nationally, if Sayin expresses interest in joining Columbus, Ryan Day should certainly give it consideration.
