Injuries struck the entire Ohio State football program at the worst time. Against IU, the Buckeyes were already missing a few guys heading into that top-five matchup. Coming out of it, they were worse for wear. Of course, the biggest injury was the loss of Julian Sayin.
With a backup quarterback getting ready to make his starting debut against USC, the Buckeyes would like to have most of the other injured guys back. While not all of them will be back, Ryan Day did offer some positive injury news a few days ahead of the showdown with the Trojans.
Ryan Day offers some positive injury news on multiple Ohio State starters
While appearing on Buckeye Roundtable, Day mentioned that they will have multiple starters back for this game against USC.
Ryan Day said "we'll get a majority of these guys back," but "I don't know if we'll get them all back" when asked about Jay Timmons, Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and John Walker.
— Lyle Alenstein (@LAlenstein) October 26, 2026
Timmons didn't play late, Jackson needed help off the field and Walker played 41 snaps vs. Indiana.
It's unclear who Day is referring to, but it seems likely that they would have Timmons available. They need him, as he has turned into perhaps the best player on the defense so far this season. Having John Walker in the lineup would help, too. He's been excellent since transferring in from UCF.
One definite note Day gave is that the Buckeyes will have a healthy offensive line for this game. That means that Austin Siereveld will be back after missing the last two games. He missed each of the last two games with an undisclosed illness, and that hurt Ohio State.
With Siereveld back in the fold, that gives Ohio State flexibility on the offensive line. If they want to replace Phillip Daniels, who has been ineffective when he has been in the lineup, they now have the opportunity to do so. They could also stick with the original starting five they had at the start of the year.
Regardless, having Siereveld back is huge for whoever the new starting quarterback is. Siereveld is perhaps the best offensive lineman on the roster. No matter what position he plays, the Buckeyes are better off when he is on the field.
Ryan Day refuses to name a starting quarterback against USC
As of Monday night, Day has still refused to name a starting quarterback. It is widely assumed to be Luke Fahey, but he opened the door for Tavien St. Clair to earn that nod, as well. Day does have his weekly press conference on Tuesday afternoon, so perhaps he will have an update then.
Regardless of who is behind center, the Buckeyes will need everyone else to step up. Day mentioned on Buckeye Roundtable that they will "need to run the damn ball". That indicates that this could be a lower-scoring affair, perhaps similar to what Wisconsin was able to do to the Trojans.
Ohio State will look to give Bo Jackson the ball plenty on the ground and lean on the defense. Jeremiah Smith will likely get the ball on some short patterns, too. Day had the entire bye week to institute a game plan for the new guy, and he has all of this week to make sure it's the right one.
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