Ohio State QB Julian Sayin Out Several Weeks After Shoulder Injury vs. Indiana

Julian Sayin to Several Weeks after shoulder injury

Last year’s Heisman finalist Julian Sayin is expected to miss several weeks after injuring his throwing shoulder against Indiana. Ohio State turns to freshman Luke Fahey.

Ohio State beats Indiana but loses Heisman finalist Julian Sayin for weeks...

Ohio State’s hard-fought 19-15 road victory over No. 5 Indiana on Saturday came with a major cost. Starting quarterback Julian Sayin, a Heisman Trophy finalist last season, will miss “several weeks” with an injury to his throwing shoulder, head coach Ryan Day announced after the game.

Sayin was hurt in the fourth quarter when Indiana’s Mario Landino hit his right shoulder on a sack that also forced a fumble (recovered by the Buckeyes). He left the field with his arm hanging at his side, later returned to the sideline in a sling, and did not re-enter the contest. Day offered limited specifics afterward, saying only that Sayin would “probably be out for several weeks” and that the team would develop a plan during the upcoming bye.

True freshman Luke Fahey replaced Sayin and is expected to start in his absence. Fahey was 0-for-2 passing in limited action against Indiana. Ohio State also has sophomores Tavien St. Clair and Kolton Stover available on the roster.

The timing is both fortunate and challenging. The Buckeyes (now 6-1) have a bye next week before traveling to face No. 19 USC on Oct. 31, followed by home games against Oregon and Northwestern. Day noted the bye provides time to adjust, saying the offense may need to operate “just a little bit differently” with Fahey under center while leaning on a strong defense and improved running game.

Sayin entered the game completing 71.2% of his passes for 1,772 yards, 17 touchdowns, and just two interceptions this season. Against Indiana he finished 15-of-29 for 235 yards and two touchdowns (including a key 38-yard score to Jeremiah Smith on fourth-and-1) with two interceptions before exiting. Last year, in his first season as the full-time starter, he finished fourth in Heisman voting after leading the nation in completion percentage.

The injury also clouds the Heisman picture for star receiver Jeremiah Smith, who has been among the early frontrunners. Without their veteran quarterback for a stretch of the schedule, Ohio State’s College Football Playoff hopes will depend heavily on how quickly the supporting cast adapts and how soon Sayin can return healthy.

Ohio State QB Julian Sayin will be out for several weeks, Ryan Day announced after the Buckeyes' win over Indiana. Sayin was a Heisman finalist last season. https://t.co/ZRf3Rb6zR0

— ESPN (@espn) October 17, 2026

For now, the Buckeyes will regroup, celebrate a signature win that snapped Indiana’s long winning streak, and prepare for life without their starting signal-caller.