COLUMBUS — Ohio State entered its bye week with a 6-1 record, an improving defense, and plenty of reasons to believe it can make a run at the Big Ten championship and College Football Playoff. But the injury to quarterback Julian Sayin has fundamentally changed the outlook.
With Sayin sidelined, the Buckeyes face the challenge of preparing an inexperienced quarterback to lead the offense. Ohio State has enough talent to remain a contender, but its defense and running game will need to take on bigger roles if the team hopes to make a serious postseason run.
As Ohio State prepares to return to action against USC on October 31, three players deserve particular attention.
1. The Starting Quarterback — Luke Fahey or Tavien St. Clair
The biggest question facing Ohio State is also the most obvious. Who will replace Sayin, and how quickly can that quarterback get up to game speed?
Fahey replaced Sayin against Indiana and entered the bye week ahead of St. Clair on the depth chart. However, Ryan Day has given both quarterbacks an opportunity to compete for the starting job, with the final decision expected closer to the USC game.
Neither player has any meaningful experience leading the offense against a quality opponent, and whichever quarterback wins the job will face a difficult first assignment on the road.
Ohio State doesn't necessarily need its new quarterback to reproduce Sayin's production immediately. It needs someone who can protect the football, make accurate throws when opportunities are there, and keep the offense moving without putting unnecessary pressure on the defense.
The Buckeyes have enough offensive talent to make things easier for their new starter, but there will undoubtedly be some growing pains. How quickly the quarterback adjusts could determine whether Ohio State remains in contention for a Big Ten championship and a deep postseason run.
2. James Smith
Ohio State's defense has been one of the team's biggest strengths this season, and with Sayin unavailable, it will need to become even more important. That makes defensive tackle James Smith a player worth watching coming out of the bye.
The senior transferred from Alabama, where he started 12 games in 2025 and recorded 28 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. He brought experience and the ability to disrupt opposing offenses from the interior of the defensive line.
Smith has played a rotational role at Ohio State, recording two tackles on 20 snaps against Indiana. However, his experience and physical presence could become increasingly valuable as the Buckeyes face stronger opponents down the stretch.
Ohio State's defense held an Indiana team that entered the game averaging more than 220 rushing yards to just 73. That performance demonstrated how effective the Buckeyes can be when they control the line of scrimmage.
Smith's ability to occupy blockers, disrupt running lanes, and generate pressure from the middle could help Ohio State maintain that standard. Interior defensive line play isn't always reflected in the box score, but it can make a tremendous difference in how an entire defense performs.
With the offense facing uncertainty at quarterback, the Buckeyes cannot afford to get into high-scoring games that require their new starter to carry the team. Smith and the rest of the defensive front will need to make opposing offenses work for every yard.
3. Bo Jackson
Perhaps no offensive player will become more important to Ohio State than Bo Jackson.
The sophomore running back already leads the Buckeyes in rushing, but Sayin's injury makes an effective ground game even more important. With Ja'Kobi Jackson expected to miss several weeks following foot surgery, Bo Jackson could be asked to carry an even larger share of the workload.
Jackson rushed for 56 yards on 18 carries against Indiana, facing a defense that made running the football difficult. Ohio State will need better production on the ground moving forward, particularly as opponents prepare to challenge an inexperienced quarterback.
A strong running game would take pressure off the new starter, keep the offense out of difficult third-down situations, and help control possession against teams capable of putting points on the scoreboard.
Jackson has shown the ability to break long runs, but Ohio State will need more than occasional explosive plays. The offensive line must consistently create running lanes, and Jackson must turn those opportunities into productive gains.
If he can help establish a dependable ground attack, the Buckeyes will have more flexibility with their passing game and won't have to rely on their inexperienced quarterback to carry the offense.
