Ohio State Freshman Quarterback Julian Sayin Sheds Black Stripe in Spring Practice

Nine days after an impressive performance in limited reps at Ohio State's Student Appreciation Day practice, the freshman quarterback became the second freshman Buckeye to have his black stripe removed this spring.

Were just this kid is ELITE, welcome @juliansayin2 pic.twitter.com/JWE5IFkuSM

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) April 8, 2024

Sayin transferred to Columbus from Alabama this offseason before ever taking the field for practice in a Crimson Tide jersey, hitting the portal after legendary head coach Nick Saban retired.

The No. 1 quarterback and No. 6 prospect overall in the 247Sports composite for the 2024 class, Sayin was pursued by Ryan Day and Ohio State in his initial recruitment, alongside just about the rest of college football. Georgia and LSU were the finalists for his services when he first pledged to Alabama in November 2022.

Sayin joined the Buckeyes' own highly-touted quarterback signee from the 2024 class in four-star Air Noland, the No. 4 quarterback and No. 56 prospect in the composite rankings.

With Ohio State's quarterback competition still ongoing, it's not impossible for Sayin to work himself into the conversation to be the Buckeyes' starter. Will Howard and Devin Brown are competing atop the depth chart at the moment but Sayin has taken occasional first-team reps. 

Whether or not Sayin can thrust himself into the competition with those veterans as a freshman, he's putting himself in great position to be the team's starter come 2025.

Sayin joined wide receiver Jeremiah Smith as the second Ohio State freshman to shed his black stripe this spring, with Smith setting a record for the fastest first-year ever to drop it. He's the ninth Buckeye in total and sixth transfer portal acquisition to have it removed this spring.