Julian Sain entered the transfer portal on Friday, returning to the market after signing with the University of Alabama in the 2024 recruiting class.
Sain, a five-star prospect and the No. 1 quarterback in the country by 247 Sports Composite, joins a wave of players currently hitting the portal after a coaching change in Tuscaloosa. Now he could be on his way to the Big Ten.
According to Chris Hammer of 247 Sports, there is a growing belief that Sane will eventually attend Ohio State via the portal. Hammer, Steve Wiltfong and Tom Roy all recorded crystal ball transfers for Sane to join Ryan Day's program.
“I would be shocked if he didn't go to Ohio State,” Hammer said, citing other sources who claim the Buckeyes are in a great position to land Thain.
I participated @TomLoy247 and @SWiltfong247 with @247 Sports Crystal Ball selects Ohio State to acquire Alabama QB transfer Julian Sain.
The acquisition of the former five-star player gives the Buckeyes a huge boost in this process. https://t.co/i3ZKNb8ggK pic.twitter.com/ajvBMRDxdZ
— Chris Hammer (@chris_hummer) January 19, 2024
Saiin is listed as 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds from Carlsbad High School in California. He was the No. 5 overall rookie and the top quarterback in the country, according to the 247 Sports Composite.
Impact on Ohio
Sain would be an interesting addition for Ryan Day, especially after Ohio State's season. With 2023 starter Kyle McCord underwhelming at times and leaving for Syracuse, the Buckeyes initially expected Devin Brown to shine in his first career start in the Cotton Bowl.
With Brown injured early on and freshman Lincoln Kienholtz struggling, the Buckeyes moved quickly and acquired former Kansas State starter Will Howard into the portal. Coach Howard is moving the Ohio State veteran to incoming five-star Air Noland, but there's no denying that Thayne has a potential turnaround.
If Ohio State acquires Thain, the Buckeyes would have one of the most interesting QB rooms in the nation after a season of mixed performances from McCord.
