The retirement of Nick Saban put Alabama in a difficult spot and nobody is capitalizing on the situation more than Ohio State HC Ryan Day.
Day’s Buckeyes on Sunday secured a commitment from top 2024 quarterback recruit Julian Sayin, who had previously enrolled early at Alabama. Sayin is just the latest player to leave the Crimson Tide for the Buckeyes.
Prior to Sayin's transfer to Columbus, safety Caleb Downs made the move from Alabama to Ohio State. Former Alabama center Seth McLaughlin also transferred to Ohio State, though that occurred before Saban had retired.
As if the three former Crimson Tide players ending up at Ohio State wasn't enough, the Buckeyes also have added Bill O’Brien as their new offensive coordinator. O’Brien previously served as Alabama’s offensive coordinator in 2021 and 2022.
Ohio State and Day seem to have extra motivation after finishing 11-2 three seasons in a row and losing to Michigan all three years. Not only have they aggressively added the aforementioned Alabama players, but they also added star transfer quarterback Will Howard.
Day’s additions come at a time when Michigan is losing several players to the NFL Draft and possibly HC Jim Harbaugh to the pros. It also comes as Alabama gets weakened by Saban’s retirement.
Day saw an opportunity to take advantage and is seizing the moment.
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