Just over a month ago, Julian Sayin was preparing to move into his dorm in Tuscaloosa as a member of the Alabama Crimson Tide. Now, one of the top quarterback recruits in the 2024 class is settled into life with the Ohio State Buckeyes, and he’s just inked a deal with The Foundation, the chief NIL collective at the program, according to a report from On3.com.
Ohio State’s Julian Sayin Inks NIL Deal With The Foundation
Ohio State has set the standard for player retention in this new transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness era, largely due to the success of its NIL collective, The Foundation.
After retaining more than 10 draft-eligible upperclassmen with the help of strong work from The Foundation, the Buckeyes set their sights on enticing transfers to play in Columbus and compensating their top players.
Sayin was one of the top quarterbacks in the 2024 class, ranked as the number one pro-style quarterback by Rivals, and a consensus five-star recruit who signed and enrolled early at Alabama.
However, when Nick Saban announced his retirement, Sayin quickly announced his intentions to transfer and soon landed at Ohio State.
While the Buckeyes have struggled to find an elite quarterback since CJ Stroud left for the draft, Sayin has the potential to be the next great Buckeye quarterback. Accordingly, The Foundation saw fit to prioritize Sayin, inking a deal with the quarterback.
Sayin’s NIL Brand
While the amount of Sayin’s NIL deal is unknown, he will be well-compensated if history is any indication. The Foundation has excelled at prioritizing its top players, including recent transfer Caleb Downs and No. 1 overall recruit Jeremiah Smith.
The collective is donor-driven and has succeeded in receiving high-profile donations, including one from Stroud last month.
This announcement comes soon after Sayin, represented by Excel Sports, signed an outside endorsement deal with Panini America, one of American sports’ biggest trading card companies.
MORE: Top 10 NIL Deals in 2024
The Foundation has ensured that one of Ohio State’s most important players is signed before he steps on the field for his first collegiate action. One of the most well-run NIL Collectives in the country, The Foundation isn’t likely to slow down any time soon.
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