For a few practices in California, Julian Sayin was an Alabama football player. The former five-star quarterback, who committed to the Crimson Tide in the 2024 recruiting class, enrolled early and joined the team for practice ahead of its appearance in the College Football Playoff’s Rose Bowl semifinal against Michigan.

He quickly earned rave reviews from Alabama’s coaching staff.

“Julian is an outstanding player,” Nick Saban said. “The ball comes out of his hand real nice. He’s accurate. He’s smart. He’s had a great high school career and been one of the best players, most productive players in the country on a very consistent basis and we like him a lot.”

A few weeks later, everything changed. Saban walked into a meeting and told the Tide he was retiring as football coach.

Sayin, one of the most coveted quarterback prospects in the country, was shocked.

“It was definitely a little surprising,” Sayin told AL.com Saturday in Atlanta, as his current Ohio State team prepares to play in the national championship on Monday.

After Saban retired, UA athletics director Greg Bryne tapped Kalen DeBoer as his replacement. Shortly thereafter, Sayin entered the transfer portal.

He explained that decision on Saturday.

“I just didn’t really have a relationship with them,” Sayin said. “Just felt like I should enter the portal and ended up at a great spot here.”

He landed at Ohio State, a choice based mostly on head coach Ryan Day.

“Coach (Chip) Kelly wasn’t actually here when I committed, but coach Day and the way he’s always been able to develop quarterbacks,” Sayin said of that decision process. “Just wanted to be part of that.”

Sayin has spent his freshman year backing up Will Howard in Columbus. He saw action in four games throughout the 2024 season, including a brief appearance in OSU’s playoff win over Tennessee.

The Carlsbad, Calif. native enters the championship game with five completions on 12 attempts, for 84 yards and a touchdown. When asked about the youngster’s potential ceiling, Buckeye offensive coordinator Kelly took a similar tone to Saban.

“As high as he wants it to be,” Kelly told reporters in Atlanta. “I think he’s a tremendously talented player. He’s got a great work ethic. We’re excited about him. He came in early so he got spring ball with us. Did a good job in preseason camp.”

Sayin will have a chance to win the starting job for Ohio State next season. Kelly said he expects the QB group in spring football to include Sayin, Lincoln Kienholtz and incoming freshman Tavien St. Clair.

In the meantime, Sayin said he felt improved as a player since arriving in Columbus.

“A lot of just learning about the game,” Sayin said. “Learning more about how to be a quarterback in college football.”

Ohio State and Notre Dame are scheduled to play in the national championship game at 6:30 CT Monday in Atlanta. The game will be aired on ESPN.