“Nick Saban Gets Candid About Julian Sayin’s Stunning Potential as Ohio State’s Starting QB: Why the Former Alabama Star Could Take Over the Big Ten”
Julian Sayin’s journey from Tuscaloosa to Columbus is more than a typical transfer story—it’s become one of the most talked-about quarterback sagas of the offseason. And now, with legendary Alabama coach Nick Saban finally weighing in publicly, the excitement surrounding Sayin’s next chapter at Ohio State has hit a new level. Sayin, once hailed as one of the most polished and pro-ready quarterbacks in the 2024 recruiting class, enrolled early at Alabama with visions of continuing the program’s dynastic run under Saban. But the unexpected retirement of Saban in January 2024 changed everything. That seismic shift in the college football world set off a chain reaction, and Sayin—who had committed largely because of Saban’s presence and Alabama’s quarterback legacy—entered the transfer portal within days. He quickly landed at Ohio State, where he now finds himself in the thick of a quarterback battle with a real shot to start for one of the top programs in the country.
Now months removed from the change that altered both Alabama and Sayin’s trajectory, Nick Saban has shared his thoughts on the young quarterback he once envisioned as the next great signal-caller for the Crimson Tide. Speaking during a recent interview on a national platform, Saban offered praise, realism, and insight that only someone of his stature could provide. “Julian Sayin was the real deal when we recruited him,” Saban said. “He was a guy who checked every box—high football IQ, polished mechanics, leadership, maturity beyond his years. We believed he could be special, and I still think that.” Saban’s respect for Sayin’s abilities was evident, but he also didn’t shy away from acknowledging the challenge the freshman now faces. “Playing quarterback at a place like Ohio State, where expectations are through the roof every year, that’s not easy,” Saban added. “But if anyone from that class can handle it, Julian’s definitely in that group.”
Sayin’s reputation as a cerebral, mechanically gifted passer preceded his arrival at Alabama. A product of Carlsbad High School in California, he earned national acclaim for his poise, accuracy, and maturity. His ability to read defenses and deliver the ball on time made him a prized recruit, with comparisons drawn to past elite quarterbacks long before he stepped onto a college campus. At the time of his commitment, Alabama fans saw him as the next in line behind Bryce Young and Tua Tagovailoa. That vision unraveled when Saban stepped away from the program, leaving Sayin in a tough position—start over under a new coaching staff or seek out a fresh beginning elsewhere. With Ryan Day and Ohio State’s track record of developing quarterbacks into NFL-ready stars, Sayin didn’t hesitate long.
At Ohio State, Sayin’s transition has reportedly been smooth. Insiders close to the program have raved about his early command of the playbook and his chemistry with the Buckeyes’ elite wide receiver corps. Despite his youth, Sayin has shown the ability to operate with a veteran’s composure in spring practices, fueling speculation that he could leapfrog more experienced players on the depth chart. According to several reports, he’s not just holding his own—he’s impressing coaches with every rep. Day himself has offered subtle hints that Sayin is firmly in the mix to start, calling his development “ahead of schedule” and “exceptional for someone so young.”
For Saban, watching Sayin flourish elsewhere has brought mixed feelings. “Of course you want to see the guys you recruit succeed, wherever they are,” Saban said. “But Julian was someone we built a lot of plans around. When I stepped away, I knew it might lead to some guys rethinking their futures. That’s the reality of the sport right now, especially with how easy it is to transfer.” Yet Saban’s words weren’t laced with regret, only acknowledgment. His candor about Sayin’s ceiling spoke volumes: “Julian could be a guy we’re talking about in the Heisman race in a year or two. He’s got that kind of talent if everything clicks for him.”
The idea that Sayin could not only start for Ohio State but become the face of the Big Ten is no longer far-fetched. The Buckeyes are retooling after a 2024 season that fell short of their lofty goals. They have one of the deepest rosters in the country and are searching for a dynamic quarterback who can make the most of their explosive offensive weapons. If Sayin wins the starting job—and all signs point to him being in serious contention—he’ll have the opportunity to throw to a group of receivers many believe is the best in the nation. With a strong offensive line and a revamped running game behind him, Sayin’s introduction to college football could be the perfect storm.
What makes his story more compelling is how quickly he’s had to mature. While many true freshmen spend their first year adjusting to the speed and complexity of the college game, Sayin is being groomed to lead one of the most demanding programs in the country right away. And according to those around the program, he’s thriving under that pressure. Former Ohio State players who’ve attended practices have praised his footwork, timing, and ability to move through progressions. Analysts have taken notice, too. Some national media outlets have ranked Sayin among the top young quarterbacks poised to break out in 2025.
Saban, for his part, believes the fit between Sayin and Day’s system could be ideal. “Ryan does a great job simplifying things for quarterbacks early on,” Saban noted. “That helps a guy like Julian—he can play fast and think less. And once he gets comfortable, that’s when you’ll really see what he’s capable of.” While Saban has stepped away from the sidelines, his insights into quarterback play remain highly respected. When he speaks about a player like Sayin with this level of conviction, it underscores just how rare Sayin’s talent is.
The move from Alabama to Ohio State also underscores the shifting dynamics of modern college football. Once a place where freshmen often sat and learned for a season or two, the quarterback position has become a pressure cooker where talent must translate immediately. Sayin’s situation is emblematic of that evolution—an elite recruit expected to be game-ready in mere months. Yet rather than shrink from those expectations, Sayin has embraced them. Those close to him say his work ethic has only intensified since the transfer. He’s been described as the first to arrive at the facility and the last to leave. That kind of dedication, combined with his innate skillset, is exactly why Ohio State is betting big on him.
For fans of the sport, Sayin’s rise offers something tantalizing. A young quarterback with five-star pedigree, receiving high praise from one of the greatest coaches in history, now leading a blue-blood program with championship aspirations—it’s the kind of storyline that defines a college football season. Every snap he takes will be scrutinized, every pass dissected, but with that pressure comes opportunity. If Sayin delivers, he could not only win games but become the next superstar in a long line of elite quarterbacks at Ohio State.
Saban’s final thoughts on Sayin reflect both admiration and a subtle challenge. “He’s going to have every chance to succeed,” Saban said. “It’s all there for him. Now it’s about what he does with it. The ones who become great aren’t just the most talented—they’re the ones who put it together every day, who keep growing, even when the lights are brightest. Julian’s got that chance. It’s up to him now.”
Those words might as well serve as a mission statement for Sayin’s 2025 campaign. As fall camp approaches, all eyes will be on Columbus to see whether the freshman phenom can seize control of the offense and turn potential into production. With Saban’s endorsement echoing in the background, Julian Sayin isn’t just another highly-touted recruit. He’s a quarterback on the brink of becoming a household name, armed with elite tools, elite coaching, and the drive to meet the moment. His story is just beginning, but the chapters ahead could be unforgettable.
