Julian Sayin Transfers to Ohio State from Alabama After Nick Saban's Retirement

Ohio State's incredible offseason just keeps rolling.

According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, former Alabama quarterback and highly regarded recruit Julian Sayin decided to transfer to Ohio State on Sunday. He is a 5-star prospect and the No. 1 quarterback in the class of 2024, per 247Sports' composite rankings.

"Incredibly excited to join the team here at Ohio State," Sayin said, per Thamel. "I held this program in high regard throughout my entire recruiting process and am looking forward to learning from some of the most talented players and coaches in college football and contributing to our team's success."

The 2024 campaign will be a make-or-break season for Ohio State head coach Ryan Day after three straight losses to archrival Michigan, and he and the program continue to respond in unbelievable fashion.

A number of talented players decided to return to school instead of entering the NFL draft, including running back TreVeyon Henderson, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, offensive lineman Donovan Jackson, defensive ends Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau, linebacker Cody Simon, defensive tackles Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton, cornerbacks Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock, and safety Lathan Ransom.

As if that wasn't enough, Day and his staff have cleaned up in the transfer portal:

While Will Howard jumps out because of the nature of the quarterback position and how much the Buckeyes needed to improve in that area from a year ago, so does the sheer amount of SEC-caliber talent.

Nick Saban's retirement opened up a 30-day transfer window for players on the current Alabama roster, and the Buckeyes have taken full advantage by adding impact safety Caleb Downs, offensive lineman Seth McLaughlin and now Sayin.

Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins was also one of the best offensive playmakers in the SEC last season and should thrive alongside Henderson in the backfield.

Anything less than a victory over Michigan and a deep College Football Playoff run in the new 12-team era in the 2024 campaign would be a massive disappointment for the Buckeyes at this point.

The Sayin addition is less about the upcoming season and more about continuing the momentum the program has built during this head-turning offseason. Howard figures to be the veteran starter in 2024, but Sayin has an opportunity to be the future and follow in the footsteps of Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud as star quarterbacks in Day's system.

There might be some competition for that spot, though, as Air Noland is also a 5-star signal-caller in the class of 2024 and committed to Ohio State, per 247Sports' composite rankings.

Having a number of talented quarterbacks is a good problem to have, and one Ohio State will surely be happy to navigate moving forward following the addition of Sayin.