Former Five-Star Alabama Transfer Projected To Replace Will Howard At Ohio State

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Jan 14, 2025 4:27 PM ET

After one season with the Ohio State Buckeyes, quarterback Will Howard will have no more eligibility remaining. Howard spent the first four seasons of his collegiate career at Kansas State. Once the Buckeyes complete this season in the College Football Playoff championship game against No. 7 seed Notre Dame, the program must look ahead to their next signal-caller.

ESPN predicted the 2025 starting quarterback for every Power 4 program and selected redshirt freshman Julian Sayin to lead the Buckeyes in 2025.

Sayin was a five-star recruit in the 2024 class who first committed to the Alabama Crimson Tide. However, the 6-foot-1, 195-pound field general entered the transfer portal and committed to Ohio State last January.

In December, former Buckeyes quarterback Air Noland entered the portal and transferred to South Carolina, opening the door for Sayin to take over in Columbus.

Sayin was the Gatorade California Player of the Year in 2023 and named the Elite 11 Finals MVP.

In limited action this season, he completed 5-of-12 passes for 84 yards and a touchdown. The Buckeyes' coaching staff was reported to be impressed by his development this past year, as he worked behind Howard as the team's backup.

Ohio State's roster will also include five-star true freshman Tavien St. Clair, the No. 3 prospect in the 2025 recruiting class.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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