Julian Sayin out indefinitely with arm injury for Ohio State
Quarterback Julian Sayin is out indefinitely for Ohio State in Columbus due to an arm injury. The junior injured his throwing arm Saturday during the fourth quarter against Indiana, according to coach Ryan Day.
Day announced the update Tuesday night. He did not set a timeline for a return. Day said the team is planning for the rest of the season without him.
“We are putting together a plan for him not being available for the regular season and then also him not being available for the postseason,” Day said. “So based on that, if he’s not able to return this fall, we’re putting a plan together for that as well.”
The third-ranked Buckeyes stand at 6-1 overall and 4-0 in the Big Ten. They are on a bye week. Ohio State rallied to defeat sixth-ranked Indiana 19-15 on Saturday.
Day and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith are evaluating the backup options. The team plays at No. 16 Southern California on Oct. 31. The choice is between Luke Fahey and Tavien St. Clair.
Day said Fahey held the edge over the past couple of weeks. The freshman played 10 snaps against Indiana and went 0 for 2. Fahey has completed 9 of 13 passes for 203 yards this season. He has two touchdowns and two interceptions across three games.
St. Clair is a sophomore who has appeared in two games. He is 5 of 7 passing for 52 yards. St. Clair has thrown one touchdown and one interception.
“Luke has been ahead of Tavian, but now that there is a bye week these guys are going to get plenty of reps,” Day said. “We’re going to play the guy that gives us the best chance to win.”
The program faced a similar situation during the 2014 season in Columbus. Braxton Miller suffered a right shoulder injury during that preseason. J.T. Barrett replaced him before breaking his right ankle against Michigan. Cardale Jones then led Ohio State to a national championship.
The Buckeyes last started a replacement quarterback because of injury in 2021. Kyle McCord started in place of C.J. Stroud against Akron. Ohio State faces several ranked opponents through November.
Ohio State will host Oregon on Nov. 7. The Buckeyes then face No. 24 Northwestern on Nov. 14. They travel to Nebraska on Nov. 21. They finish the regular season against Michigan on Nov. 28.
The Big Ten title game takes place in Indianapolis on Dec. 5. Day expects both backup quarterbacks to prepare quickly.
“If this wasn’t a bye week, we’d have to roll. We’re going to have to get it organized quickly,” Day said. “This is a challenge for both Luke and Tavian to step up in a big way.”
Smith said the staff will adapt the offensive scheme for either player. He pointed out the group features receiver Jeremiah Smith and an experienced offensive line.
“You try to play to the strengths of the offense. You can have Aaron Rodgers or Peyton Manning and still need a run game,” Smith said. “With Luke, I like the way he prepares.”
The Woody Hayes Athletic Center serves as the primary training hub for Ohio State football. Athletic programs utilize scheduled bye weeks to restructure depth charts and reassign repetitions during injuries.
Smith noted both candidates offer positive traits for the team in Columbus. He said Fahey has a professional mindset. Smith added that St. Clair has a big arm and can extend plays.
