Ohio State football QB Julian Sayin’s makes honest admission on Alabama exit after brutal comit to bucs

In an unexpected turn of events in college football, freshman quarterback Julian Sayin’s choice to transfer from Alabama to Ohio State has garnered attention, largely influenced by Nick Saban’s retirement.

Sayin, a highly sought-after quarterback recruit, had dreams of competing under the iconic coach. However, after Saban stepped down in early January, shortly following Alabama’s Rose Bowl appearance, Sayin began to reconsider his future.

Originally from Southern California, Julian Sayin enrolled at Alabama last December with the specific goal of playing for Nick Saban.

“We had a great relationship through the recruiting process,” Sayin said. “I loved Coach Saban. I really wanted to go play for him.” Saban, who had built the Crimson Tide into a modern dynasty, was a major draw for Sayin. 

Saban’s unforeseen retirement at 72 startled many, including Sayin. “I would say we were caught by surprise,” Sayin said, echoing the feelings of those at the Crimson Tide facility.

In light of Saban’s exit, Sayin reconsidered his circumstances. The relaxed NCAA transfer rules permitted him to seek new options. After a coaching change, players have a 30-day period to enter the transfer portal, an online platform that allows them to connect with other schools. Sayin took just nine days to make his decision.

“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.” 

In late January, Sayin made the decision to transfer to Ohio State, drawn by the school’s strong football tradition and its track record for developing quarterbacks.

“Ultimately, I wanted to be at a school with a great tradition, a history of successful quarterbacks, and a place where I could grow,” Sayin said. His connection with Ohio State coach Ryan Day was also a significant factor. The Buckeyes had previously shown interest in recruiting Sayin, and his familiarity with Day made Ohio State an attractive option.

Bill O’Brien, Alabama’s offensive coordinator when Sayin committed, had initially swayed him toward the Crimson Tide. O’Brien’s later transition to a head coaching role at Boston College also contributed to Sayin’s choice to transfer. However, Sayin quickly connected with his new coach, Chip Kelly, who had strong ties to California after coaching UCLA since 2018 before joining Ohio State.