Julian Sayin responds to Nick Saban calling himself a dumbass for playing QB on scout team

Just hours after Nick Saban called himself ‘a dumbass’ for having Julian Sayin on the scout team at Alabama, the Ohio State quarterback transfer went out and put together another near-perfect outing. This time it was a dissection of rival Penn State.

Sayin went 20-of-23 passing for 316 yards and four touchdowns. He did not throw an interception.

When he came off the field, Julian Sayin was naturally asked about Saban’s comments, which came on ESPN’s College GameDay on Saturday morning. He responded in kind, asked if he’d seen them.

“I did not,” Sayin said. “We had the early kick.”

That said, Julian Sayin certainly appreciated the warm sentiment after being informed of what Saban had to say. He quickly piped up.

“It’s awesome,” Sayin said. “I appreciate the kind words, but this is a team game. The offensive line did a great job today. Receivers did a great job today. And none of it happens without us an offense, as a collective.”

Still, it’s Julian Sayin who has emerged as a top Heisman Trophy candidate, more than two thirds of the way through the season. He’s been electric for the nation’s No. 1 team.

So far, Sayin has thrown for 2,188 yards with 23 touchdowns and only three interceptions. He’s not a huge runner, but he hasn’t needed to be. Not for Saban to be remorseful about how he handled the early part of Sayin’s career.

“I think one point I’d like to make about Julian Sayin is he was at Alabama,” Saban began. “And the coach at Alabama played him on the scout team for a whole year — What a dumbass.”

As a member of the Class of 2024, Sayin was a five-star-plus recruit out of Carlsbad (Calif.) High, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, when committed and enrolled early at Alabama. He was the No. 1 overall prospect in the state, the No. 2 quarterback in the class and the No. 8 overall prospect in the class.