TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama five-star freshman quarterback Julian Sayin has entered the transfer portal, the program's latest player to look elsewhere after Kalen DeBoer replaced the retired Nick Saban as coach.
Sayin had signed with the Crimson Tide this past December. He's the 26th player and second signee to leave Alabama since Saban announced he was leaving earlier this month.
Sayin is a 6-foot-1, 195-pound passer from Carlsbad, California. He was ranked as the country's third best quarterback recruit by 247sports.com.
Saban called Sayin “an outstanding player” on signing day, this past Dec. 20.
“The ball comes out of his hand really nice,” Saban said. “He's accurate, he's smart.”
DeBoer was able to secure a commitment from one of his former quarterbacks at Washington in Austin Mack, according to multiple outlets. He's a four-start recruit who redshirted last season.
Previously, Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Bond has entered the transfer portal in the wake of coach Nick Saban's retirement.
Bond led Alabama with 48 catches, producing 668 yards and four touchdowns. That included a fourth-and-31 score that proved the game-winning touchdown against rival Auburn.
Alabama All-America safety Caleb Downs has entered the transfer portal and left tackle Kadyn Proctor has announced plans to as well.
Nick Saban's retirement sent shockwaves through college football but the immediate impact on the team remains to be seen. His decision opened a 30-day window for Crimson Tide players to enter the transfer portal. While at Alabama, Saban won six national championships in 17 seasons. He also won one at LSU. At Tuscaloosa, he compiled a 201-29 record, sent 123 players to the NFL Draft, won 10 division titles, and nine SEC championships and produced four Heisman Trophy winners.