Nick Saban opens up on Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin.

In a candid exchange at the Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio, legendary coach Nick Saban—fresh off pairing with Ohio State head coach Ryan Day on the fairways—took a moment after his round to offer high praise for Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin. Saban, who recruited Sayin heavily during his final season at Alabama, highlighted the young signal-caller’s poise, arm talent, and character—attributes that have Buckeyes fans buzzing with anticipation for the 2025 campaign.

A Reunion on the Links: Saban and Day Share Fairway Insights

The unique setting for Saban’s comments—a friendly golf outing—provided a relaxed backdrop for what has become must-hear commentary on college football’s next generation of quarterbacks. Saban and Day, longtime colleagues and friends, were paired in the same foursome at the Workday Golden Bear Pro-Am preceding The Memorial. While the spotlight often shines brightest on their competitive pursuits on the gridiron, this outing underscored the mutual respect between two of the sport’s foremost tacticians and the high regard they hold for emerging talents like Julian Sayin. After the match, Saban shared his impressions of Sayin, turning a post-round debrief into an impromptu scouting report that resonated across the college football landscape .

“A Great Young Man”: Character Above All

“Julian is a great young man,” Saban told 97.1 The Fan, emphasizing that his praise extended beyond the field of play. Character evaluation has long been a hallmark of Saban’s recruiting philosophy; his endorsement of Sayin carries weight precisely because he assesses players as holistic individuals. This affirmation of Sayin’s leadership, work ethic, and conduct off the field not only cements Sayin’s reputation in Columbus but also signals to Buckeye Nation that they can expect a quarterback who embodies the program’s values. For a position that demands both physical prowess and mental fortitude, Saban’s words offer a compelling endorsement of Sayin’s maturity and composure .

Transfer Journey: From Tide to Scarlet and Gray

Julian Sayin’s collegiate odyssey began as a coveted early enrollee at Alabama in 2024, where he joined one of the nation’s most storied programs under Saban’s tutelage. Rated a five-star plus recruit and the No. 1 transfer quarterback in his class, Sayin ranked among the top 20 players nationally according to 247Sports and was the third-best quarterback recruit behind DJ Lagway and Dylan Raiola. His tenure in Tuscaloosa, however, was brief; following Saban’s retirement in January 2024, Sayin entered the transfer portal and chose Ohio State—home to another championship-oriented culture and a quarterback tradition second to none .

At Ohio State, Sayin stepped into a program fresh off a national title run, yet brimming with competition at the quarterback position. Despite limited game action—just four appearances and 84 passing yards as a true freshman—his pedigree and performance in practice earning him immediate trust from the Buckeye coaching staff. That trust has only grown this offseason as Sayin adds size, refines his mechanics, and immerses himself in Ryan Day’s pro-style offense .

Three Traits That Make Sayin “Pop”

Saban went beyond general praise, identifying specific traits that set Sayin apart. First, he lauded Sayin’s touch—the ability to deliver passes with precise trajectory and timing, a skill often honed through countless reps in competitive drills. Second, he highlighted accuracy, noting that Sayin consistently places the ball where only his receiver can make a play, a hallmark of high-IQ quarterbacks. Finally, Saban emphasized judgment, the mental acuity to read defenses, progress through reads, and make the right decision under duress. “He’s got really good touch, really good accuracy, good judgment,” Saban summarized before adding, “He’s a really good young player.” These three pillars—touch, accuracy, judgment—form the foundation of Sayin’s quarterbacking ethos and bode well for his transition to the starting role in Columbus .

Physical Profile and Development

Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing in around 203 pounds, Sayin possesses a sturdy frame that allows him to see over the line of scrimmage and withstand the rigors of Big Ten pass rushers. Saban specifically noted that Sayin is “getting bigger and stronger,” pointing to an offseason of dedicated strength and conditioning work designed to prepare him for a full workload in 2025. This physical maturation, combined with his unconventional background—spending his high school career at Carlsbad High in California and a brief stint at Alabama—gives him a unique blend of West Coast quickness and Southeastern physicality. As he continues to add muscle mass without sacrificing mobility, Sayin is shaping into the complete quarterback Saban envisioned when recruiting him to Tuscaloosa .

The Buckeye QB Competition: A New Era at the Helm

Ohio State follows a recent trend of new faces under center, moving on from Kyle McCord and Will Howard to usher in Sayin’s potential era. While junior Lincoln Kienholz remains in the mix, Sayin’s combination of pedigree, practice performance, and now Saban’s endorsement positions him as the frontrunner for the starting job. Spring practices saw intense competition, but Sayin’s upside and demonstrated ability to thrive under pressure have the Buckeye faithful optimistic about his ceiling. His brief cameo against Western Michigan—relief duty culminating in his first collegiate touchdown—offered a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come. If he continues to progress at his current rate, Sayin could emerge as one of the nation’s breakout quarterbacks in 2025 .

Implications of Saban’s Endorsement

When a coach of Nick Saban’s stature publicly lauds a player, it reverberates across recruiting circles, NFL scouting departments, and media outlets alike. For Sayin, Saban’s stamp of approval serves as both a confidence booster and a validation tool: recruits will reference it when considering Ohio State, NFL evaluators will file it alongside their grading reports, and the broader college football audience will take note of his projection. Moreover, it underscores the interconnectedness of the sport—Saban’s long shadow now influences the quarterback race at a program he once ruled, illustrating the cyclical nature of coaching legacies and player development .

Season Outlook: What Buckeye Nation Can Expect

As Ohio State prepares to defend its national crown, the quarterback position remains paramount. Sayin’s blend of touch, accuracy, and judgment—combined with his evolving physical profile—aligns with Ryan Day’s offensive philosophy, which marries dynamic RPO elements with pro concepts. Veteran targets and a deep rushing attack will help ease the transition, allowing Sayin to operate within his strengths. Should he secure the starting nod, expect him to showcase his arm talent early, particularly on intermediate to deep routes where touch and timing are critical. His decision-making will be tested against the nation’s top defenses, but the reports suggest he’s more than ready for the challenge .

Conclusion

Nick Saban’s glowing appraisal of Julian Sayin offers a compelling narrative heading into the 2025 season: a player once recruited to sustain a dynasty in Tuscaloosa now carries the aspirations of another storied program in Columbus. With Saban’s insights highlighting the traits that make Sayin an elite prospect and Ryan Day’s system poised to maximize his skill set, Buckeye Nation can look forward to a thrilling season led by a quarterback whose journey—from California standout to Alabama enrolee to Ohio State’s potential starter—embodies the ever-evolving landscape of college football. If Sayin’s growth trajectory and Saban’s assessment hold true, the Buckeyes may well have found their next franchise quarterback.