Ohio State Taps Freshman QB Luke Fahey for USC Game Amidst Sayin Injury
The Buckeyes will start a freshman under center against USC after their previously named starter was sidelined by a shoulder injury.
Ohio State will turn to freshman quarterback Luke Fahey for its upcoming Big Ten matchup against USC, with the team’s previously projected starter, Julian Sayin, sidelined by a shoulder injury. This marks a significant shift for the Buckeyes as they face a crucial game against the Trojans.
Sayin was injured during Ohio State’s win against Indiana on Oct. 17, a game that also saw the snapping of Indiana's 22-game home winning streak. After being sacked and fumbling the ball, Sayin left the game and was later seen with his arm in a sling. Head coach Ryan Day announced on Oct. 20 that Sayin would be out indefinitely.
Day indicated that Fahey would compete with sophomore Tavien St. Clair for the starting role, stating, "We’re going to play the guy that gives us the best chance to win." He noted that Fahey had been performing ahead of St. Clair in recent observations, but acknowledged that the upcoming bye week would provide opportunities for both quarterbacks to gain reps and for the coaching staff to finalize their plan.
Fahey, a three-star recruit, was ranked as the 38th quarterback in California for the Class of 2026 by 247Sports. In his previous year at Mission Viejo High School, he threw for 1,638 yards with 17 touchdowns and no interceptions.
His first career start will be in his home state of California, at the sold-out Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. USC enters the game unranked for the first time this season following a loss to Wisconsin. The Trojans' offense has averaged 32.8 points per game, ranking seventh in the Big Ten, but their defense has struggled, allowing an average of 25 points per game, placing them 13th in the conference.
USC, with a 6-2 record, has also lost to Oregon earlier in the season. Head coach Lincoln Riley's tenure has been marked by offensive success coupled with defensive challenges. This upcoming game against a freshman quarterback presents an opportunity for USC to secure a significant upset and alleviate pressure on Riley.