**Breaking News: DeBoer’s Management of Alabama’s QB Room Under Scrutiny After Sayin Named Ohio State Starter**

**Breaking News: DeBoer’s Management of Alabama’s QB Room Under Scrutiny After Sayin Named Ohio State Starter**

A major shake-up in college football has reignited questions surrounding Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer and his handling of the Crimson Tide’s quarterback room. On Tuesday, former Alabama quarterback Julian Sayin was officially named the starting quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes — just months after transferring out of Tuscaloosa. The announcement has fueled heavy scrutiny over DeBoer’s quarterback decisions and sparked debate over what could be one of Alabama’s biggest missteps in recent years.

Sayin, a former five-star recruit and Elite 11 MVP, was widely viewed as the future of Alabama football. Highly polished, intelligent, and accurate, Sayin enrolled early and impressed during spring practices. However, following the hiring of DeBoer and offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan, momentum shifted toward other QBs in the room — notably sophomore Dylan Lonergan and Washington transfer Will Rogers, who followed DeBoer from Seattle.

The coaching staff’s decision to prioritize experience over long-term upside left many scratching their heads, especially as Sayin reportedly felt overlooked despite strong practice performances. After a quiet but notable spring exit, Sayin entered the transfer portal and committed to Ohio State. Fast forward to August, and not only has he won the starting job for a national title contender, but he’s also drawing rave reviews from Buckeye coaches and players.

Now, Alabama fans and analysts are asking the hard questions: Did DeBoer let a generational talent slip through his fingers? And what does it say about his management of the program’s most important position?

“This is a tough look for Alabama,” said former Tide QB Greg McElroy on a radio segment Wednesday morning. “You had a blue-chip quarterback on your roster who is now starting at another blue-blood program — and he never took a meaningful snap for you. That’s a miss.”

Inside the Alabama program, there’s reportedly some tension regarding how Sayin’s departure was handled. Some insiders believed he should have been in serious contention for the starting job this fall. Others suggest he didn’t fit the system DeBoer wants to run. Either way, the optics are difficult to ignore.

While Will Rogers is expected to begin the season as Alabama’s starter, questions linger about the long-term vision at quarterback. Lonergan and true freshman Keelon Russell are talented but unproven. Meanwhile, Sayin — a quarterback once seen as the future face of Alabama football — could now be leading Ohio State to the College Football Playoff.

Critics argue that DeBoer, in his first year replacing the legendary Nick Saban, may have miscalculated the importance of building around a young star versus relying on short-term transfer experience. While DeBoer has earned praise for his offensive acumen, this situation could follow him — especially if Sayin shines in Columbus.

Alabama still has plenty of talent, and the season has yet to begin. But one thing is clear: if Julian Sayin thrives at Ohio State while Alabama struggles at QB, the questions around DeBoer’s judgment won’t go away anytime soon.