Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin will miss the remainder of the season, including any potential College Football Playoff run. Head coach Ryan Day told reporters Tuesday that the quarterback is out indefinitely and it is doubtful he will return before the regular season ends on Nov. 28.
Timeline for Sayin’s Recovery
Day declined to give a specific recovery timeline for Sayin. The quarterback suffered the injury during a win over Indiana on Saturday. The loss is significant for the Buckeyes as they try to reach the CFP and compete for a national championship.
Sayin entered the 2026 season as a presumed Heisman candidate with NFL draft hype. He completed 68.2 percent of his passes for 2,007 yards and 19 touchdowns before the injury. He also threw for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns in 2025, when he was a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Plan B at Quarterback
Day said the team is developing a plan in case Sayin does not return. True freshman Luke Fahey entered Saturday’s game against Indiana but threw incompletions on his two pass attempts. By comparison, Tavien St. Clair has been on campus since the 2025 season.
St. Clair was a 5-star recruit in that year’s class, while Fahey was a 3-star prospect, per 247Sports. Fahey was ahead of St. Clair in practice heading into the last few games, but the injury has changed the situation. Day said both quarterbacks will receive first-team reps during the bye week.
Day stated the team will play the player who gives them the best chance to win a championship. The coaching staff needs both quarterbacks to practice well and prepare for the remaining schedule.
The quarterback situation is just one challenge facing Ohio State this year. The team still has road games against USC and Nebraska, home games against Oregon, Michigan and Northwestern, and a loss to Texas. There is less room for error than there would be if the Buckeyes were undefeated.
Day also noted that whichever quarterback wins the job will still have Jeremiah Smith on the receiving end of passes. The receiver’s presence provides some stability for the offense.