Ohio State’s hold on the national championship market didn’t last long after Ryan Day revealed that Julian Sayin is sidelined indefinitely with an injury to his throwing arm.
Day said there is no set timetable for the quarterback’s recovery and that a plan is being put in place for Sayin not to be available for both the regular season and postseason. The Buckeyes are now preparing for a stretch without the junior, who has thrown for 2,007 yards, 19 touchdowns and four interceptions this season while adding two rushing scores. He completed 68.2 percent of his passes and also threw two touchdowns and two picks in Ohio State’s Week 7 win over Indiana.
The loss of Sayin has already moved the betting market. Ohio State, which had been the clear favorite for several weeks and was listed at +430 after Saturday’s action, slipped from the top spot to second in the odds.
Georgia, even after an upset loss to Auburn in Week 7, is now the favorite, with Ohio State and Notre Dame right behind. No other team is priced shorter than +12500.
Day said freshman Luke Fahey and sophomore Tavien St. Clair will split first-team reps during the bye week before Ohio State returns in Week 9 to face USC. Both quarterbacks have seen game action this season, but they’ve combined for just 20 pass attempts.
There is still plenty around the Buckeyes that bettors trust. Even without Sayin, Ohio State has the kind of roster that can survive a major injury, and the next quarterback will have a major weapon waiting outside in Jeremiah Smith, who is projected as a future first-round pick.
The market also reacted elsewhere, with Indiana’s College Football Playoff odds improving despite its loss to Ohio State in Week 7. The Hoosiers moved from +850 to +800, while several SEC and Big 12 teams ticked up slightly.
Ohio State should still be favored against USC in Week 9, especially with the Trojans struggling on defense and ranking 131st in adjusted EPA/Play on that side of the ball.
Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
In Other News...
Ohio State's Running Back Board Is Nearing A Huge Recruiting Test
Ohio States work on the 2027 class is already starting to take shape at running back, where the Buckeyes have zeroed in on Jordan Hall and Tranard Roberts as priority targets with commitment decisions approaching. Both sit near the center of a recruiting push that has kept the staff active on the trail, and the position remains one of the key areas Ohio State is trying to firm up early in the cycle.
The board has not stopped there. The Buckeyes have also extended an offer to Kingston Allen, who is currently committed to Wisconsin, while continuing to stay involved with 2028 offensive lineman Ty Winn. With several choices on the horizon, the next stretch should give Ohio State a much clearer read on how its running back room might begin to come together. [Read more 🡒]
Ohio State's Off Week Just Brought Two Young Buckeyes A Big Step
Ohio States Week 8 off week is doing more than just giving the roster a chance to heal. It is also creating a little extra practice room for younger Buckeyes who have been waiting for more opportunities, and that setup produced a pair of notable milestones for two freshmen who have been grinding through the early part of the season.
Freshman tight end Nick Lautar and running back Favour Akih both had their black stripes removed, a tradition that marks a player earning his place in the program. It is the sort of small but meaningful step that can matter in a busy Ohio State season, and both players responded with gratitude toward the coaches and teammates around them after the announcement. [Read more 🡒]
Ohio State Faces A Risky Quarterback Choice In Its Title Push
Ohio States title push now comes with a tricky evaluation at the games most important position, with the Buckeyes running a one-week quarterback competition to sort out life without injured starter Julian Sayin. Freshman Luke Fahey has been the primary backup and was the one who stepped in during the recent game, while Tavien St. Clair remains part of the discussion as the staff weighs its options.
The decision is about more than just who takes the next snap. With the season moving forward and the pressure only rising, Ohio State is trying to determine which quarterback is best equipped to steady the offense and keep the Buckeyes on track. The competition is short, the stakes are obvious, and the answer will shape how far this team can go with its championship hopes still intact. [Read more 🡒]