Ryan Day on freshman QB, Alabama transfer Julian Sayin: 'He's in the mix'

Ryan Day and Chip Kelly are jointly overseeing another Ohio State quarterback competition this Spring, with returning Devin Brown and veteran transfer Will Howard seemingly leading the charge. But true freshman Julian Sayin, a Winter transfer from Alabama, is making an early impression and already drawing his coaches’ attention.

So much so that Day says Sayin is “in the mix” during Ohio State’s starting quarterback competition. Sayin has been rotating in with the first team and is competing at a high level, Day said. High praise from a coach like Day who has developed plenty of quality quarterbacks in his time in Columbus.

“He’s in the mix,” Day said Wednesday. “He is. Chip really rolls [the quarterbacks] — it doesn’t matter if it’s the ones, twos, threes. Julian’s been competing his tail off. He’s gonna continue to do that.”

Just a few months ago, Sayin was preparing to begin his college career at Alabama. He enrolled early during College Football Playoff practices in December, joining Crimson Tide starter Jalen Milroe in Tuscaloosa. Sayin had been committed to the Crimson Tide since early November 2023 and eventually signed his National Letter of Intent in during the Early Signing Period.

But when Nick Saban decided to retire, Sayin quickly entered the NCAA transfer portal before ever taking a serious snap. USC was in the running as well, but Ohio State won the quarterback’s re-recruitment as they continue to stack impressive talent at the position.

Sayin played high school football at Carlsbad (CA) High School, where he was a Five-Star Plus+ prospect. He was the No. 8 overall recruit in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

The other two competing for the starting job are quite experienced. Howard began his career at Kansas State and has played in 34 games throughout his career. Brown may not have the on-field experience but he is entering his third season at Ohio State. Both would be quality options for the Buckeyes this season.

Sayin is just going out there and competing, though. The black stripe has already been taken off his helmet after nine practices, a positive sign.

“He’s been in there competing, and he’s making plays,” Day said. “The guys know. A lot of times with the black stripes, it’s the players. They know. They see it. … Nine practices in, you could see he was making a lot of throws in big spots.”