Former Maryland and UCLA Quarterback Justyn Martin Transferring to Ohio State

Former Maryland quarterback Justyn Martin, who previously spent three years at UCLA before transferring to Maryland last offseason, has committed to Ohio State. He is the Buckeyes' third transfer commitment on Monday, joining former Duke safety Terry Moore and former Northwestern tight end Hunter Welcing.

BREAKING: Maryland transfer QB Justyn Martin has committed to Ohio State, @GregBiggins2 reportshttps://t.co/1HWizJXfem pic.twitter.com/4My75MYdFd

— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) January 12, 2026

A four-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class, Martin made just one start in three seasons at UCLA, completing 22 of 30 passing attempts for 167 yards and a touchdown in a 2024 loss to Penn State.

Martin competed with Malik Washington to be the starting quarterback at Maryland last season, but was injured in the Terrapins’ season opener against FAU and did not play again for the rest of the year. He did not attempt a pass in his lone game appearance.

The addition of Martin brings Ohio State to Ryan Day’s desired total of four scholarship quarterbacks for 2026. While Julian Sayin returns as the Buckeyes’ clear-cut starter, Martin gives Ohio State another depth option alongside rising sophomore Tavien St. Clair and incoming freshman Luke Fahey.

St. Clair still projects as Ohio State’s likely No. 2 quarterback in 2026 and eventual successor to Sayin in 2027, but Martin adds some valuable experience to the quarterback depth chart following Lincoln Kienholz’s transfer to Louisville.

A fifth-year senior, Martin is in his final year of traditional eligibility but could receive an additional year of eligibility if he applies for a medical hardship waiver after playing in just one game last season.

A native of Inglewood, California, Martin becomes the third quarterback from California on Ohio State’s 2026 roster, joining Sayin and Fahey.