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Nick Saban gets real about former Alabama and current Ohio State QB Julian Sayin, who has a great chance to start for the Buckeyes

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated May 28, 2025 10:11 PM ET

Ohio State enters the 2025 season with an ongoing quarterback competition following Will Howard’s national championship-winning campaign. The battle is expected to be decided during fall camp.

Julian Sayin, a second-year quarterback and former five-star Alabama signee, transferred to Ohio State after Nick Saban’s retirement. He’s competing with third-year quarterback Lincoln Kienholz for the starting job. Freshman Tavien St. Clair is set to open the season as the Buckeyes’ No. 3 quarterback.

It’s unlikely Ohio State would have landed Sayin had Saban not chosen to step away from coaching. The legendary former Alabama head coach had high praise for Sayin in a recent interview.

“Julian is a great young man,” Saban said of Sayin, via 97.1 The Fan. “I think he’s getting bigger and stronger, but he’s got really good touch, really good accuracy, good judgment. So he’s a really good young player.”

Nick Saban chats with @StephOtey on hitting the links with @ryandaytime and recruiting Julian Sayin pic.twitter.com/KeAlf9G8EW
— 97.1 The Fan (@971thefan) May 28, 2025

This marks the third consecutive season Ohio State will feature a new starting quarterback—going from Kyle McCord to Will Howard, and now to an open competition. Sayin has the tools to win the job but may benefit from continuing to add size to his 6-foot-1, 203-pound frame.

The sophomore quarterback made a strong impression during the Buckeyes’ spring game, giving the coaching staff and fans optimism heading into summer. However, the job is still said to be even, and Sayin will need to earn it in the fall.

Following a national championship season, Ohio State will aim to defend its title. For that to happen, the Buckeyes must maintain their tradition of high-level quarterback play—something head coach Ryan Day has consistently delivered throughout his tenure.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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