Introduction
When discussing the next wave of college football quarterbacks, one name stands out: Julian Sayin. From his Californian high school days to his arrival in the Big Ten, Sayin has been on a rapid ascent — and his story is one that combines elite talent, astute decisions, and high expectations. Here’s a comprehensive look at his profile: grade, freshman status, age, hometown, high school and more.
Grade & Recruiting Profile
Julian Sayin entered the recruiting scene as one of the most-coveted quarterbacks in the 2024 class. According to the 247Sports Composite, he was considered a unanimous five-star prospect and ranked the No. 1 quarterback in his class.
His high school numbers further underscore that grade:
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Over his high school career, Sayin threw for 7,824 yards, 85 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions.
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As a junior, he posted 2,708 yards and 27 touchdowns.
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As a senior, he threw for 2,347 yards with 24 touchdowns and only 1 interception.
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His sophomore year: 2,769 passing yards and 34 touchdowns.
These numbers reflect not only productivity but precision and consistency — the hallmark traits of a high-grade quarterback prospect.
Why that grade matters
Being a five-star, top-QB recruit means that programs expect more than just talent — they expect leadership, football IQ, and a trajectory toward immediate impact. Sayin’s elite grade signals that his coaches and analysts believe he has those attributes in heaping measure.
Freshman Status
Sayin arrived at Ohio State Buckeyes after a brief stint at Alabama Crimson Tide (more on that below). He enrolled early and began working with the Buckeyes in spring drills.
For the 2024 season, he was listed as a freshman.
By the 2025 season, Ohio State’s roster lists him as a sophomore.
Thus, while he came in as a freshman, he has since moved into his second year in college.
Freshman experience & impact
During his freshman year, Sayin appeared in four games, taking 27 offensive snaps and completing 5 of 12 passes for 84 yards and a touchdown — the touchdown being a 55-yard strike to TE Bennett Christian against Western Michigan Broncos.
While modest in volume, that’s not unusual for a true freshman at a high-profile program. What stood out was his poise, processing speed, and accuracy during spring drills and the limited game reps. Analysts noted that despite being in his first season, Sayin had “advanced far for a freshman.”
That sets him up as one to watch — a freshman with the talent and the composure to accelerate rapidly.
Age
Julian Sayin was born on July 23, 2005.
That places his age as follows:
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At the time of enrolment (early 2024) he was 18 years old.
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As of now (2025) he is 20 years old.
This youth for his class underscores his early enrolment and readiness to play at the college level sooner rather than later.
Hometown
Sayin hails from Southern California. His hometown is listed as Carlsbad, California (though he grew up in nearby Solana Beach).
Carlsbad, located in the North County region of San Diego, is where he attended high school and developed into a national quarterback prospect. Growing up in a region known for strong high school football programs likely helped his exposure and development.
High School
High School: Carlsbad High School, Carlsbad, California.
High School Career Highlights
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Sayin started behind his older brother during his freshman year, then took over as starter as a sophomore.
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His sophomore season: 2,769 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, five interceptions.
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Junior season: 2,708 yards, 27 touchdowns, four interceptions.
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Senior season: 2,347 yards, 24 touchdowns, only 1 interception.
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Earned MVP honors at the 2023 Elite 11 Finals.
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Led Carlsbad to multiple Avocado League titles.
What made his high school stint special
At Carlsbad, Sayin operated in a pro-style offense, which helped his transition to college football. He demonstrated advanced mechanics, rapid decision-making, and remarkable accuracy — traits that analysts pointed out long before his college arrival.
Moreover, his low interception numbers and high productivity in high school signaled that he wasn’t just physically talented, but mentally sharp. For example: finishing his senior year with only one interception shows discipline.
The Journey to College & Transition
Sayin’s path to college football includes a unique twist. He initially signed with Alabama, enrolling in January 2024, but transferred to Ohio State later that month.
Why the initial move to Alabama?
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He chose Alabama over Georgia, LSU, and others.
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He wanted to play for the legendary coach Nick Saban and viewed Alabama as the ideal developmental ground.
The transfer to Ohio State
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After Saban retired and Alabama’s coaching staff shifted, Sayin entered the transfer portal and selected Ohio State.
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At Ohio State, he has been part of a competitive quarterback room and is under the tutelage of experienced coaches.
Why this matters
This move shows Sayin’s commitment to finding the best environment for his development—not just choosing a name brand. It also suggests maturity: making a transfer early to land in a place stacked with resources and visibility. It’s an important chapter in his story as he transitions from high school star to college quarterback.
Strengths, Skills & Playing Style
Understanding his on-field traits is key to appreciating what makes Sayin special.
Accuracy & Decision-making
From early on, Sayin has been praised for his accuracy and ability to make quick, sound decisions. In his profile, scouts noted his completion percentages, low interception counts, and readiness to make pro-style throws.
Pocket presence and mobility
Despite being listed at 6-1, 203–208 lbs, Sayin shows good pocket mobility, movement in space, and steady field vision.
Leadership and football IQ
He’s long been regarded as having a mature football mind: recognizing defenses, processing progressions, and showing poise. Particularly in high school and early college drills, this stood out.
The only critique: size?
Some analysts point to his height (6-1) as a minor concern in a sport that often values taller quarterbacks. But as one piece noted: “four times over the last 10 years the first quarterback taken in the NFL Draft has been 6-1 or under.”
Outlook: Expectations & What’s Next
Given his grade, talent, and situation, Sayin’s trajectory is pointing upward.
Immediate future
While freshman years often involve limited reps, Sayin already showed flashes and prepared diligently. In his coming seasons, he is expected to vie for a starting role, especially given the quarterback room changes at Ohio State.
Long term potential
If Sayin fulfills the promise suggested by his high school and early college career, he could become one of the top quarterbacks in college football — and a legitimate NFL prospect. His work ethic, environment, and pedigree all align.
What to watch
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How many games and snaps he plays in the 2025 season and beyond.
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How he handles pressure and stretches in-game scenarios (deep throws, third-down conversions, read-options).
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His development in the new offensive system, given the transfer and coaching dynamics.
Quick Profile Summary
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Name: Julian Sayin
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Grade in recruiting: Unanimous five-star; ranked No. 1 QB in 2024 class.
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Class/Freshman Status: Arrived as freshman (2024); now classified sophomore at Ohio State.
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Age: Born July 23, 2005 → 20 years old (as of 2025).
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Hometown: Carlsbad, California (grew up in Solana Beach).
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High School: Carlsbad High School, Carlsbad, California.
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Height/Weight: Listed at 6-1, 203–208 lbs at college level.
Final Thoughts
Julian Sayin’s journey—from a standout high school quarterback in Carlsbad to a nationally-ranked recruit, early enrollee, and college prospect at Ohio State—reveals both a high ceiling and a strong foundation. His elite recruiting grade backs his talent, his freshman status signals his readiness to compete early, and his age and background provide ample runway for growth.
For fans of college football, tracking Sayin over the next 2–3 years could be particularly exciting: if he turns talent into production, he may well become a name that resonates beyond college.
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