Ohio State is prepared to be without starting quarterback Julian Sayin for the rest of the 2026-27 college football season. Backup quarterback Luke Fahey and/or third-string quarterback Tavien St. Clair will play in his absence.
That decision will be made in the next 24 hours.
Some Buckeyes fans are worried that Lahey is too concerned with his academics. They want him to focus more on football!
Who is going to start at quarterback for Ohio State?
Sayin, a legitimate Heisman Trophy contender, suffered an injury to his right throwing arm and shoulder during the win over Indiana on Saturday. Head coach Ryan Day said that Ohio State is preparing to be without him for the remainder of the regular season and the postseason. Sayin might be able to make a return for the Playoff but the Buckeyes are not holding their breath.
There are now two options at quarterback!
Luke Fahey took over for Sayin against the Hoosiers. He also played in games against Ball State and Kent State.
Luke Fahey highlights, notice anyting? pic.twitter.com/1JrsUJQJwh
— Billy Beebe (@ThirdBeebe) October 19, 2026
Tavien St. Clair also played against the Cardinals and Golden Flashes. He did not see time in relief of Sayin two weeks ago.
However, Ohio State was on a bye last week and both St. Clair and Fahey were presented with the opportunity to compete for the starting job. Day will not name a starter and said on Tuesday that both quarterbacks could see the field against USC on Saturday.
The Buckeyes are preparing packages for both quarterbacks, who both “practiced well last week.” Although Fahey was ahead of St. Clair going into the Indiana game, both guys are “working hard” and Day is looking for whoever wins the job to be “tough.” He also said that St. Clair needs to prepare like he’s the starter regardless of whether he wins the starting job or not. Make of that what you will.
Who is Luke Fahey?
At 5-foot-1, 206 pounds, true freshman Luke Fahey was ranked as the No. 38 player at his position in the recruiting Class of 2026 as a three-star prospect. The California-native was one of the most talented quarterbacks out West. He chose Ohio State over Oklahoma State, Stanford, Indiana and Arkansas, among others.
Although Fahey’s time on the field has been limited, it sounds like he has spent a lot of time in the classroom. Maybe too much?
The Student-Athlete Support Services Offices at The Ohio State University releases its student-athletes of the month in the last week of every month. The athletes are recognized on great work ethic, character in the classroom and community involvement.
Fahey was selected as a student-athlete of the month for October.
While that may seem like a great thing, because academics are extremely important, some Ohio State fans would prefer that their likely starting quarterback is not recognized as a student-athlete of the month while actively preparing to lead the Buckeyes into the College Football Playoff. They would actually prefer that he spends more time away from the classroom and in the football facility!