Ohio State QB Julian Sayin out at least several weeks with injury

Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin will be out for at least several weeks following an injury sustained during the Buckeyes' 19-15 victory over Indiana. Head coach Ryan Day confirmed the timeline on Monday, noting that the team is still awaiting further medical information.

Injury Details and Immediate Aftermath

Sayin left the game early in the fourth quarter after taking a hard sack from Indiana defensive lineman Mario Landino. The junior fumbled the ball, which was recovered by right tackle Phillip Daniels, and exited the field with his arm dangling by his side. Upon returning to the sideline, his right arm was placed in a sling.

"No update right now," Day said regarding Sayin's status. "They're still going through some of their testing and some of their meetings."

Day initially stated after the game that Sayin would be out "several weeks," later clarifying on Monday that the absence would be "at least several weeks." The specific nature of the injury remains unclear as testing continues.

Luke Fahey Steps Into Starting Role

Freshman Luke Fahey replaced Sayin during the Indiana game and is expected to start in the upcoming matchup against USC. Fahey, a former three-star prospect from Mission Viejo, California, won the backup job over former five-star Tavien St. Clair. Prior to Saturday, Fahey had played in two games, completing 9-of-11 passes for 203 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.

During the Indiana game, Fahey rushed for eight yards on his first play but was 0-for-2 passing, was called for intentional grounding, and was sacked once. Day acknowledged the challenge for the freshman but noted positive signs in his preparation and the team's response to him.

"That was a good sign for his first play," Day said. "Now, that being said, I mean, I think his heart rate was going really fast during the game, and like I said to him, I said, 'You've just got to find the speed of the game right here.' So, a unique spot to be put in as a freshman, but he's somebody that up until this point, he comes in every day prepared. I think he has the respect of the team, and so now he's going to be thrust into a bigger role."

To accommodate Fahey's limited experience, Ohio State may simplify its offensive scheme. Day indicated the team would rely on plays installed during preseason camp that Fahey has practiced extensively.

"Plays that he feels comfortable with and knows," Day said. "And sometimes, in a spot like that, they're sort of the plays that we put in during preseason camp that they have a lot of reps in because some of the things that are in the game plan, the starter typically gets the majority of the reps."

Impact on College Football Playoff Prospects

The uncertainty surrounding Sayin's return has implications for the College Football Playoff Selection Committee. The committee considers "the unavailability of key players and coaches that may have affected a team's performance during the season or likely will affect its postseason performance."

Sayin, a Heisman Trophy finalist last season, ranks third nationally in passing yards (2,007) and touchdowns (19) through seven games. His absence could influence how the committee evaluates Ohio State's resume, particularly if the team loses games while Fahey is the starter. CBS Sports notes that if Sayin is expected to return, Ohio State might receive the benefit of the doubt in close matchups, whereas a season-ending injury would carry greater weight.

Ohio State is currently projected as the No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoff bracket. The team has a bye week before traveling to USC on Halloween weekend, providing time for Fahey to prepare for his first career start.

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Sources

• 247sports.com: Ohio State waiting on testing on Julian Sayin's injury; Luke Fahey 'going to be thrust into a bigger role'
• cbssports.com: 2026 CFP bracket projection: How College Football Playoff field looks entering Week 8 - CBS Sports

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.