Ohio State’s chances for a national championship have taken a hit.
Head coach Ryan Day announced on Tuesday that the Buckeyes are preparing to be without quarterback Julian Sayin for the remainder of the season, including the College Football Playoff, due to a shoulder injury he sustained during Saturday’s victory over Indiana.
While the 21-year-old, who was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy last season, hasn’t officially been ruled out for the year, the team is getting ready for the possibility that he won’t return.
“We’re not putting a timeline on his recovery, but he is out indefinitely,” Day mentioned to reporters. “We want to give Julian and his family the space and privacy they need during this process. Given the nature of the injury, we’re making preparations for him not to be available for the regular season and the postseason.”
With Sayin sidelined, true freshman Luke Fahey and sophomore five-star recruit Tavien St. Clair will compete during the No. 3 Buckeyes’ bye week to see who will start against No. 16 USC on Halloween.
Sayin suffered his injury during a fourth-quarter sack by Indiana’s Mario Landino and was seen with his arm in a sling after the medical evaluation. Fahey took over in his place.
So far this season, Sayin has passed for 2,007 yards, with 19 touchdowns and four interceptions, boasting a completion rate of 68.2 percent. Last season, he threw for 3,610 yards, 32 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, completing 77 percent of his passes.
Day commented that Fahey had “been ahead” of St. Clair as they entered the game against the Hoosiers, although he noted both quarterbacks would receive playing time.
“We’re gonna play the guy that gives us the best chance to win,” the coach added.
Ohio State’s schedule looks manageable following their game against the Trojans. They’ll face Oregon on Nov. 7 and Northwestern on Nov. 14, followed by a road game against Nebraska on Nov. 21. A rivalry matchup with Michigan is set for Nov. 28.
However, the likelihood of making a deep playoff run is now uncertain.
