Ryan Day added a new wrinkle to Ohio State’s quarterback picture on Saturday, and it came in the one place Buckeyes fans have been watching most closely: the backup battle.
For months, the conversation had seemed straightforward. Julian Sayin was the clear starter, and Tavien St.
Clair had occupied the No. 2 spot behind him. But during Day’s media availability to open the second full week of training camp, he said Luke Fahey has pushed himself into the mix.
Day said, "Luke got his black stripe off today. He's really been doing a great job.
He's putting a lot of pressure on Tavien; he really is. They are competing; he has been making plays... that's been exciting to see him come in with a certain work ethic and run the offense at a pretty high level."
That kind of direct language stands out. Day often praises players, but this was different because he openly said Fahey is pressuring St.
Clair for the backup job. That is not usually how he frames these battles.
Fahey, a three-star freshman from California, has shown up to camp with no hesitation. At 5'11", he’s known as a pocket passer who is effective from the pocket, with athleticism that is good, but not great.
Ohio State has long leaned on quarterback rooms filled with elite recruiting pedigree. JT was a four-star, Cardale Jones was a four-star, Justin Fields was a five-star, CJ Stroud was a five-star, Julian Sayin was a five-star, and St.
Clair was as well. The last three-star quarterback recruit to play for the Buckeyes was Will Howard, and the result there is well known.
This battle matters for more than just the depth chart. If Sayin gets hurt, Ohio State can’t afford a drop-off at quarterback. And longer term, the winner of this competition could also gain the inside track to the starting job next season once Sayin heads to the NFL.
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