Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin is healing from a fractured elbow suffered during the Buckeyes' win at Indiana last month, according to coach Ryan Day. Sayin underwent surgery and missed the subsequent loss to USC, a setback that dropped Ohio State to 6-2 and No. 12 in the initial College Football Playoff rankings.
Coach Ryan Day Updates Status
Day said on his weekly show that Sayin's recovery is on a positive long-term track but will take time, ruling out a return next week or next month. "This thing looks to be healing. It's not going to be next week or next month. It's going to take some time. But I think, certainly for the long term, we feel like we're on a good track here," Day said. Before the injury, Sayin ranked third nationally in passing yards (2,007) and touchdowns (19), helping wide receiver Jeremiah Smith emerge as a Heisman Trophy frontrunner.
Playoff Implications
With Sayin sidelined, the Buckeyes must navigate a tough remaining schedule — Oregon, Northwestern, Nebraska, and Michigan — to maintain or improve their CFP standing. Playoff committee chairman Hunter Yurachek noted Ohio State "didn't look like the same Ohio State team" in the one-point loss to USC. The earlier one-point loss at Texas and the victory at Indiana are also factors in the committee's evaluation.
Freshman Luke Fahey Steps In
Freshman Luke Fahey made his first start against USC, throwing for 260 yards and a touchdown, but the offense struggled with critical drops and pass protection issues. Ahead of his first home start against Oregon, Fahey has been receiving guidance from Sayin, who remains engaged in team meetings. "Just somebody who's been through it before and just a voice in his ear giving him tips on what to look out for and how he can better approach things," Day said. "He's got a good feel for that, Julian. He communicates well. I think it's important for him to be around the guys."
Ohio State's operational sharpness with Fahey under center against Oregon will be crucial for staying in the CFP conversation, as a loss could severely damage their at-large hopes while a win could restore confidence in the team's playoff credentials.
