Ohio State QB Julian Sayin Earns Nick Saban Praise Ahead 2025 Season

Julian Sayin, a former five-star Alabama quarterback signee, is currently the frontrunner to win the Ohio State starting quarterback job for the 2025 season following Will Howard's departure to the NFL. Sayin transferred to Ohio State after Nick Saban's retirement and has impressed both Saban and Ohio State's coaching staff with his accuracy, touch, judgment, and work ethic. Saban, who has a personal connection to Ohio State and its coach Ryan Day, praised Sayin as a great young player who is getting bigger and stronger, highlighting his potential to help Ohio State defend its national championship. The quarterback competition remains open, with Lincoln Kienholz and freshman Tavien St. Clair also in the mix, but Sayin's spring game performance and development position him well to earn the starting role. Ohio State's recent tradition of strong quarterback play under Ryan Day continues to raise expectations for Sayin to lead the team, especially with a talented supporting cast and high stakes in the upcoming season. Despite Saban's fondness for Ohio State, his allegiance remains with Alabama, though he openly acknowledges having "a little Buckeye" in him due to his coaching history and friendship with Day.