Ohio State's National Championship Hopes Dimmed by Quarterback Injury

Ohio State's pursuit of a national championship has been significantly impacted by a season-ending shoulder injury to star quarterback Julian Sayin. Head coach Ryan Day announced Tuesday that the team is preparing to play without Sayin for the remainder of the season, including any potential College Football Playoff appearances.

Sayin suffered the injury during the Buckeyes' victory over Indiana on Saturday. While not officially ruled out for the year, Day indicated that the team is planning for his absence.

"We're not gonna put any timeline on his recovery, but he is out indefinitely," Day told reporters. "What we're trying to do is give Julian and his family the space and privacy to go through this process, but based on the nature of the injury, 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."

The loss of Sayin thrusts true freshman Luke Fahey and sophomore Tavien St. Clair into a competition to start. The Buckeyes, currently ranked No. 3, will determine their starter during their bye week before facing No. 16 USC on Halloween.

Sayin was injured on a sack in the fourth quarter against Indiana and was seen in a sling afterward. He has thrown for 2,007 yards, 19 touchdowns, and four interceptions this season, completing 68.2 percent of his passes. Last season, he recorded 3,610 yards, 32 touchdowns, and eight interceptions with a 77 percent completion rate.

Day stated that Fahey had been ahead of St. Clair entering the Indiana game but confirmed both quarterbacks will receive reps during the bye week. "We're gonna play the guy that gives us the best chance to win," the coach said.

Ohio State's remaining schedule includes games against USC, Oregon, Northwestern, Nebraska, and rival Michigan. The team's ability to make a deep playoff run is now a significant question mark following Sayin's injury.