Even from Ohio State, Sayin champions Alabama's Ty Simpson, proving college football's bonds transcend competition and loyalty.
When Julian Sayin committed to Alabama, Crimson Tide fans believed they were getting the next great quarterback to carry on the program’s legacy. The five-star recruit from California had all the tools: poise, accuracy, and an undeniable football IQ.
But when Nick Saban announced his retirement in January 2024, Sayin’s plans shifted dramatically.
Within weeks, he entered the transfer portal and found a new home at Ohio State.
It was a move that made headlines.
Alabama fans were disappointed but understood. A coaching change that significant can alter everything for a young quarterback’s development and future.
Still, there was always a lingering “what if?”
What if Sayin had stayed in Tuscaloosa?
Now, less than a year later, Sayin is proving why he was one of the top quarterback prospects in the country. After sitting behind veteran Will Howard last season, Sayin took over as the Buckeyes’ starter and has been nothing short of spectacular. Through the first stretch of the season, he’s completed 156 of 195 passes for 1,872 yards, 19 touchdowns, and just three interceptions. His efficiency, composure, and leadership have vaulted him into the Heisman Trophy conversation.
But what’s even more impressive than his stats is his humility and the respect he still carries for Alabama and its players.
In a recent appearance on the Down 2 Business podcast, Sayin was asked who his frontrunner to win the Heisman is. His answer wasn’t a Buckeye teammate. It wasn’t even someone from his conference.
“When I visited Bama, I visited a few times,” Sayin said. “Ty was always my host, and he’s a good dude. He’s a great player. I still text him today, so I’m going to say Ty. He’s having a great year.”
That Ty, of course, is Alabama’s starting quarterback Ty Simpson: the heartbeat of Kalen DeBoer’s offense and one of the nation’s most efficient passers.
Simpson’s leadership and maturity have the Crimson Tide rolling once again, and it’s clear that Sayin has remained one of his biggest supporters, even from hundreds of miles away.
Through eight games, Simpson has been nothing short of sensational throwing for 2,184 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just one interception, while also adding a score on the ground. He currently ranks second in the SEC in passing yards, trailing only Tennessee’s Joey Aguilar, and continues to showcase the perfect balance of efficiency, confidence, and command that Alabama fans have long been waiting to see.
In an era of constant transfers and shifting loyalties, Sayin’s admiration for Simpson stands out.
It’s not often you see two quarterbacks- once part of the same room, now leading powerhouse programs on separate paths, still rooting for each other’s success.
For Julian Sayin, that friendship is a reminder that college football isn’t just about competition.
It’s about character, respect, and the bond between players who understand what it takes to lead and to represent something bigger than themselves.