COLUMBUS — Tavien St. Clair arrived at Ohio State as one of the nation's most highly regarded quarterback recruits. Now, with Julian Sayin sidelined, the sophomore from Bellefontaine has an opportunity to compete for the starting job.
Head coach Ryan Day confirmed Tuesday that both St. Clair and true freshman Luke Fahey will receive first-team practice repetitions during Ohio State's bye week. Fahey remains ahead based on what the coaches have seen in practice, but Day intends to evaluate both quarterbacks before deciding who starts against USC on October 31.
For St. Clair, it's an opportunity to compete for the position many expected him to eventually hold when he signed with the Buckeyes.
From Bellefontaine to Ohio State
St. Clair was one of the country's top quarterback prospects in the 2025 recruiting class, earning a five-star rating and ranking as the nation's No. 2 quarterback according to 247Sports.
The 6-foot-4, 235-pound quarterback put together an outstanding high school career at Bellefontaine, finishing with more than 10,000 passing yards and 100 touchdown passes. He was a three-time Central Buckeye Conference Offensive Player of the Year and a finalist for Ohio Mr. Football in 2024.
As a senior, St. Clair threw for 2,536 yards and 29 touchdowns in 11 games. He also competed at the Elite 11 quarterback competition, where he won the accuracy challenge.
Those accomplishments made him one of the most anticipated quarterbacks to arrive in Columbus, but his opportunities on the field have been limited.
St. Clair appeared in one game as a freshman in 2025, attempting two passes against Grambling State. This season, he has completed five of seven passes for 52 yards and a touchdown, with all of that production coming against Ball State. He also appeared briefly against Kent State, attempting one pass.
A New Opportunity
Despite St. Clair's recruiting credentials, Fahey earned the backup quarterback job during preseason camp and remained ahead of him through Ohio State's first seven games.
When Sayin injured his throwing arm during Ohio State's 19-15 victory over Indiana, it was Fahey who entered the game. The freshman completed neither of his two passing attempts, although he was placed in a difficult situation late in a top-five matchup.
Day has said the decision between Fahey and St. Clair will come down to which quarterback gives Ohio State the best chance to win. He and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith have the bye week to evaluate both players and determine how the offense should operate with a new quarterback.
A Big Decision Ahead
Whoever starts against USC will inherit an offense featuring Jeremiah Smith and a team that remains in contention for the Big Ten championship and College Football Playoff.
Replacing Sayin won't be easy. The junior threw for 2,007 yards and 19 touchdowns through seven games, and the Buckeyes now face the possibility of playing the remainder of the season without him.
For St. Clair, the circumstances have created an unexpected opportunity. He arrived at Ohio State with high expectations but has yet to take meaningful snaps. Now he'll have a chance to show the coaching staff what he can do with the first-team offense.
Ohio State has a bye Saturday before traveling to USC on October 31. Whether Fahey remains ahead or St. Clair moves past him, the Buckeyes have an important decision to make before returning to the field.
