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Ohio State's Julian Sayin Injured, Team Turn to Freshman Backup
Confirmed
In Short: In Sayin's absence, the Buckeyes turned to freshman Luke Fahey, a three-star prospect out of Mission Viejo, California, in the class of 2026.
Ohio State's starting quarterback Julian Sayin was sidelined during the fourth quarter of the team's game against Indiana, dealing a significant blow to the Buckeyes' championship aspirations. Sayin, a junior from Carlsbad, California, who transferred to Ohio State from Alabama, left the game after being sacked by Indiana’s Mario Landino with 8:05 remaining in the fourth quarter. The injury occurred when Sayin's throwing elbow appeared to hyperextend as the ball came loose.
According to Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, Sayin will be out for 'several weeks.' This assessment was echoed by multiple sources, including Fox News and Sports Illustrated, which reported that the injury could be a significant right elbow/arm injury, possibly involving an ulnar collateral ligament strain or tear. However, the exact nature of the injury remains unclear, with some experts suggesting a shoulder dislocation or proximal humerus fracture as initial possibilities.
Sayin's exit came at a crucial moment for the Buckeyes, who were facing Indiana in a rematch of the 2025 Big Ten championship game. Entering the game, Sayin was tied for fourth with 17 passing touchdowns this season and ranked sixth among FBS quarterbacks with 1,772 passing yards. He had completed 15-of-29 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions against the Hoosiers before leaving the game.
In Sayin's absence, the Buckeyes turned to freshman Luke Fahey, a three-star prospect out of Mission Viejo, California, in the class of 2026. Fahey, listed at 5-foot-11 and 206 pounds, is not the biggest quarterback, but 247Sports recruiting analyst Greg Biggins had high praise for Fahey in his scouting report. However, Fahey's limited experience and size have raised concerns among fans and analysts. Former Philadelphia Eagles standout linebacker Seth Joyner took to X to criticize Ohio State for putting an undersized freshman quarterback on the field.
Despite the injury, Ohio State managed to secure a 19-15 win on the road over Indiana. Sayin returned to the sideline with 3:35 remaining in the fourth quarter, but did not return to action. The team's wide receiver Jeremiah Smith expressed his support for Sayin, saying, “We got you. We're gonna take care of this win for you.” Smith had four catches for 68 yards and a touchdown against Indiana and now has 52 catches for 984 yards and 12 touchdowns this season.
The injury to Sayin has put additional pressure on the rest of the team, particularly the wide receivers. Smith will now need to maintain an incredible pace with a backup quarterback throwing him the ball. The Buckeyes will have to rely on Fahey for an extended period, which could impact their offensive strategy and overall performance.
The loss of Sayin for several weeks is a significant setback for Ohio State, especially as they look to maintain their position in the top five rankings and compete for a national championship. The team's ability to adapt and perform without their starting quarterback will be crucial in the coming weeks.
As the Buckeyes prepare for their next game, the focus will be on how they can continue to compete at a high level without Sayin. The team's depth and resilience will be tested, and the performance of Fahey and the rest of the squad will be closely watched.
What this adds
The exact nature of Sayin's injury remains under investigation, with various medical experts offering different possibilities.
Background
The Ohio State University is a public research university in Columbus, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1870, it is the flagship institution of the University System of Ohio.
What's confirmed
- It was unclear what injury Sayin may have suffered, but Ohio State head coach Ryan Day said after the game that Sayin will be out for a couple weeks.
- In the fourth quarter against Indiana in Bloomington, the Hoosiers sacked Sayin on first-and-10 from Indiana's 38-yard line.
- When Sayin left the game, he had completed 15-of-29 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions against the Hoosiers.
- Against Indiana in a rematch of the 2025 Big Ten championship game, Sayin — who entered Week 7 tied for fourth with 17 passing touchdowns this season and ranked sixth among FBS quarterbacks with 1,772 passing yards — left the field and went to the locker room with about eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
What's still developing
- On the other hand, the Buckeyes have a real worry on their hands at quarterback.
- "I don't have [an update] right now," Day told Taft.
- He initially considered a proximal humerus fracture or shoulder dislocation, but Day’s “several weeks” comment makes either far less likely, Morse said.
- Previously: One of the biggest games this college football Saturday is now in the hands of a freshman backup quarterback.
- “It’s not the same when you come in as a young freshman like that in that spot,” Day said.