Are Ohio State’s playoff chances doomed with Luke Fahey at quarterback?

October 18, 2026

Ohio State’s playoff aspirations face a critical test after starting quarterback Julian Sayin went down with an injury, forcing backup Luke Fahey into action for the Buckeyes’ 19-15 road win over Indiana. Fahey’s limited experience showed in the stats—zero passing yards, two rushing attempts for a loss of two yards—raising concerns about his ability to lead the offense, particularly against tougher competition.

With Sayin expected to miss multiple weeks, coach Ryan Day acknowledged the team must quickly integrate Fahey into the Arthur Smith-led offense during the upcoming bye week, or risk falling behind in the playoff race. The next challenge arrives in a daunting road game at USC, where Fahey will need to improve significantly to keep pace with Jayden Maiava’s high-powered passing attack.

Beyond that, Ohio State must navigate games against Oregon and Northwestern, both spread-option offenses that could exploit any weaknesses in Fahey’s play or the defense’s adjustments. Tavien St.

Clair, a highly rated recruit, may also enter the mix if Fahey struggles, adding another layer of uncertainty to the Buckeyes’ quarterback situation as they aim to stay in contention for a College Football Playoff berth.