Introduction
When you hear the name Julian Sayin, several things stand out: top recruit status, a high-profile transfer, and large expectations at Ohio State Buckeyes. In this article we’ll dive deep into almost everything you want to know about him — his height, his connection to legendary coach Nick Saban, what year he is in school, his NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, and where his stats stand today. Whether you’re a fan, a fantasy-football follower, or simply curious about college football’s next big things, this breakdown is for you.
Who is Julian Sayin?
Julian Sayin was born on July 23, 2005 in Solana Beach, California. He attended Carlsbad High School (in Carlsbad, California) where he made a name for himself as one of the nation’s top quarterback prospects. He committed to Alabama Crimson Tide originally, then transferred to Ohio State.
He’s noted for his poise, accuracy, and decision-making — attributes that have drawn comparisons and high expectations.
Height & Physical Profile
One of the common questions: How tall is Julian Sayin?
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According to his profile at ESPN, he is listed at 6’1″ (6 feet 1 inch) and 208 lbs.
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Recruiting site On3 lists him at around 6-1½” and earlier around 190 lbs before bulking up.
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Reddit comments among fans and beat writers also corroborate that height estimate (one quoting “…every one of them have said he’s at least 6’1.”).
Hence it’s safe to say he is in that ~6’1” range, which for a college QB is decent though not towering by some standards. But size isn’t everything — accuracy, processing speed, and decision making matter just as much (or more) at QB.
The Nick Saban Connection
Why does Nick Saban’s name come up in conjunction with Julian Sayin? Here’s the backstory:
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Sayin committed to Alabama when Nick Saban was still the head coach, making him one of Saban’s final quarterback recruits.
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According to CBS Sports, Sayin was “the last QB Nick Saban ever signed and the heir apparent to Ohio State’s throne”.
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That connection added to the hype, since Saban is widely regarded as one of the greatest college coaches ever — so being recruited by him sends a signal.
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However, the landscape changed: Saban retired, and Sayin transferred, meaning his journey took an interesting turn.
In short: The association with Saban boosted the profile of Sayin, but his path has evolved to Ohio State, where new coaches, new system and new expectations await.
What Year is Julian Sayin in?
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Sayin enrolled early at Alabama for the 2023 season as an early enrollee.
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He then transferred to Ohio State in January 2024.
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At Ohio State, he appeared in limited duty in 2024. For the 2025 season, he is listed as a sophomore (or a redshirt freshman depending on classification) and named the starting quarterback for 2025.
So as of the 2025 season, Julian Sayin is essentially in his second year of major college football (though technically his enrollment began earlier). Given NCAA eligibility details, many refer to him as a sophomore.
NIL Deals & Value
One of the most talked-about facets of modern college football is NIL (Name, Image & Likeness) deals. Sayin is no exception:
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On3 lists his NIL value at around $2.2 million.
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According to his Wikipedia entry, Sayin signed a deal with trading-card company Panini on Jan 31, 2024, and another deal with an Ohio State-driven collective “The Foundation” on Feb 14, 2024.
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These deals reflect his brand potential and status as a high-profile quarterback prospect.
For fans and followers, this means Sayin not only brings performance on the field, but also off-field appeal — a growing part of college athlete infrastructure.
Stats Today
Let’s break down Julian Sayin’s performance metrics as of the 2025 college football season:
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According to ESPN, for the 2025 season he has thrown for 1,872 yards, 19 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, with a QBR of 90.8.
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In his career to date (through parts of 2024 and into 2025), he attempted 195 passes, completed 156 for 1,872 yards, 19 TDs, 3 INTs, at an 80%+ completion rate.
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Additional deeper dive: The Dispatch notes his upward trajectory and how his stats compare among top QBs nationally.
Important to contextualize: While the raw numbers are already solid, they come with expectations. As the full-time starter in 2025, the stage is set for him to elevate further.
Why Sayin’s Profile Matters
Here are several reasons why Julian Sayin is one to watch:
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Elite recruiting pedigree – Coming out of high school he was a five-star recruit, and his early decision to go to Alabama signaled his potential.
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High football IQ & accuracy – Analysts have praised his ability to process, make reads, and deliver with precision. For a quarterback, those traits can often matter more than raw physical size.
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Brand & marketability – With his NIL deals and high profile, he’s already transcending just on-field play; he’s building a brand.
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Big program stage – Playing for Ohio State means nationally televised games, high stakes, and big audience — everything that magnifies performance.
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The narrative – Transfer from Alabama after Saban era, stepping into the spotlight at Ohio State, being among the younger QBs to carry the torch — storylines matter in sports storytelling.
Challenges & Things to Watch
No athlete’s journey is without challenges, and for Sayin, these are key areas:
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Physical growth & durability: At ~6’1”, 208 lbs, he may face bigger defensive fronts. Your size helps, but handling pressure, staying healthy matters.
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Consistency under pressure: While stats are good, performing in clutch moments, bigger games, against top competition will separate good from great.
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Leadership and team dynamics: As a starting QB, he’s the face of the offense, needs to earn and maintain trust of teammates and coaches.
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Expectations & hype: With high profile comes high expectations. Managing that and not being overwhelmed will be key.
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Off-field focus: With NIL and brand obligations comes distraction potential. Staying focused on football remains priority.
The Road Ahead for Julian Sayin
What can we expect from Sayin going forward?
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In the 2025 season, being the full-time starter at Ohio State gives him opportunity to compile big numbers, challenge for major awards (e.g., Heisman talk).
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With his arm talent and accuracy, if the supporting cast is strong (receivers, O-line), the Buckeyes offense could be explosive.
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From the brand side, expect more NIL deals, endorsements, and media exposure as his performance grows.
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If he plays well over these next 1-2 seasons, NFL prospects loom. Many scouts pay attention to QBs who handle big programs, pressure, and media well.
FAQS
Q1: How tall is Julian Sayin?
A1: He is listed at 6 feet 1 inch (about 185 cm) and around 208 lbs.
Q2: What year is Julian Sayin in college?
A2: As of the 2025 season, he is a sophomore (or redshirt freshman in eligibility terms) at Ohio State.
Q3: What is Julian Sayin’s connection to Nick Saban?
A3: Sayin originally committed to Alabama while Nick Saban was still coach, making him one of Saban’s final QB recruits. He later transferred to Ohio State.
Q4: Does Julian Sayin have NIL deals?
A4: Yes — his NIL value is estimated at about $2.2 million. He signed deals with Panini America and an Ohio State collective “The Foundation”.
Q5: What are Julian Sayin’s current stats?
A5: For the 2025 season he has thrown for 1,872 yards, 19 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, and holds a very strong completion percentage and QBR.
Conclusion
Julian Sayin is one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in college football today. From his height (~6’1”), his early recruitment under Nick Saban, his NIL value, and his strong start at Ohio State, he ticks many boxes that scouts, media, and fans pay attention to. The next phase of his career — taking the reins at Ohio State and performing consistently at a high level — will be critical. If he rises to the occasion, he has the tools and platform to become a star. Keep watch on his development, his stats, his decision-making, and how he handles the spotlight.
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