Insider predicts Ohio State to land the top quarterback recruit

The Ohio State Buckeyes might not be done with the transfer portal just yet.

On Friday, Alabama Crimson five-star freshman signee and No. 1 overall quarterback Julian Sayin announced his desire to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, citing Nick Saban’s retirement as a major factor in his decision.

Following Saban’s retirement, every player on the roster, including those signed during the early signing period, had a 30-day window to enter the portal. Sayin now looks to be considering Ohio State as a potential destination.

According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Ohio State is now the favorite to sign Sayin, with the insider predicting an RPM of 70 percent for the Buckeyes.

According to Nakos, the appointment coach Bill O’Brien may end up being the determining factor for the Buckeyes. Sayin already has a relationship with Ohio State’s new offensive coordinator, Bill O’Brien. The legendary NFL head coach and offensive coordinator’s most recent collegiate stop was Alabama, where he spent some time recruiting Sayin.

Despite O’Brien’s departure from the Tide in 2023 to rejoin the New England Patriots, the offensive coordinator and quarterback are familiar. All that being said, with Caleb Williams leaving for the NFL, Malachi Nelson transferring, and redshirt Miller Moss looking like the likely starter in 2024, USC would have seemed like a better fit for Sayin.

Meanwhile, the Buckeyes already have a crowded quarterback room, so if they do eventually land Sayin, it might have a knock-on impact in the quarterback room.

Will Howard is certain to be the starter in 2024, regardless of what happens to Sayin. He has shown himself, is a veteran, and is highly productive.

Aside from that, anything may happen. Air Nolan, a five-star freshman, is likely to stay and compete with Sayin, while Devin Brown or Lincoln Kienholz are likely to leave.

In any case, as the No. 1 quarterback and fifth-best player in the country, Sayin figures to have a spot waiting for him in Columbus.