New Ohio State Rumors Reveal QB1 Decision for USC Game After Julian Sayin Injury

No. 2 Ohio State has reportedly landed on its replacement for injured quarterback Julian Sayin.

The Buckeyes are expected to start true freshman Luke Fahey in Saturday's game at USC, CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz reported Friday.

Ohio State coach Ryan Day declined to confirm this week whether Fahey or sophomore Tavien St. Clair would get the start at USC.

Sayin is expected to miss multiple weeks after suffering a throwing arm injury in an Oct. 17 game against Indiana.

Fahey went 0-for-2 and lost two yards in relief of Sayin at the end of the win over Indiana, since which the Buckeyes have had a bye week.

Day said as of Oct. 20 he felt Fahey had "been ahead of Tavien in terms of what we've seen" but that both quarterbacks would get reps ahead of the USC game.

Although he has declined to commit to one signal caller over the other, Day said earlier this week it was "definitely possible" both would play against USC.

He also expressed hope that whichever quarterback ultimately starts will be aided by star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who had previously said he needed more time to develop chemistry with Fahey.

"Jeremiah is a tremendous talent, and he can adjust quickly," Day said Tuesday. "The good thing about he and Luke is, Luke, you've just got to get it somewhere in the neighborhood of No. 4, and he's going to pull it down."

Fahey, a three-star recruit who played high school ball at Mission Viejo, won the backup job earlier this season despite St. Clair's status as a five-star 2025 recruit.

The true freshman has made four appearances this season, going 9-for-13 for 203 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in that span.

Day will hope for big games from Smith and the Buckeyes defense when Fahey's first career start kicks off Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET in Los Angeles.