Ohio State picked up another prized player on Sunday.
Julian Sayin, a five-star quarterback who enrolled at Alabama earlier this month, committed to the Buckeyes. Per 247Sports, the California prospect is the No. 21 overall player and third-ranked passer from the class of 2024.
Sayin’s transfer continued a stellar offseason for Ryan Day’s program.
According to On3’s transfer rankings, Ohio State has now landed the top quarterback, running back (Quinshon Judkins), and safety (Caleb Downs) in the transfer portal. The Big Ten school also secured its likely 2024 starting quarterback in Will Howard and other potential offensive starters in tight end Wil Kacmarek and offensive lineman Seth McLaughlin.
Ohio State’s Transfer Portal Haul😳https://t.co/oJSv6dttcC pic.twitter.com/1sdZlNM3dM
— On3 (@On3sports) January 21, 2024
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Ohio State continued to capitalize on Nick Saban’s retirement by poaching Sayin. The highly touted recruit followed Downs and McLaughlin from Tuscaloosa to Columbus.
On3 considers Downs the top transfer this winter. The National Freshman of the Year tallied 107 tackles, two interceptions, a forced fumble, and a punt return for a touchdown in 2023.
McLaughlin started every game for the Crimson Tide last season. Although his off-kilter snapping became an issue during a Rose Bowl loss to Michigan, the senior helped steer the SEC champions to 172.6 rushing yards per game.
Ohio State landed another SEC star in Judkins, who scored 17 touchdowns in each of his two seasons at Ole Miss. He ended his Rebels career with 120 yards and a touchdown in a Peach Bowl win over Penn State, who the bruising back will see again as a conference foe in November.
Sayin will try to blossom into Ohio State’s next star quarterback, but he’ll likely start his collegiate career behind Howard. The senior tossed 24 touchdowns for Kansas State last season.
These gains won’t ease the pain of a third straight loss to Michigan, but Ohio State has reloaded to enter 2024 as a prominent national title contender.