Ohio State has a clear starting quarterback in Julian Sayin. He has played well so far this season, although he struggled in the second half against Texas. That essentially helped the Buckeyes blow a fourth-quarter lead. He did bounce back against Kent State, though.
However, the depth chart behind him was very murky heading into the season. Most thought former five-star recruit Tavien St. Clair was set up to be the backup. However, he was the third quarterback out against both Ball State and Kent State, with Luke Fahey being the backup. Ryan Day addressed that, essentially confirming Fahey has the backup role.
Ryan Day essentially confirms Luke Fahey is the backup quarterback for Ohio State
During his weekly press conference, Day all but confirmed that Fahey will be the backup moving forward over the former five-star recruit.
"Every day when you walk into this building, you have an opportunity to prove yourself and to earn trust. Luke has done that. He's been the first one in the last couple of games. If he continues to do what he's doing, I would continue to see it going that way."
Ohio State was very excited when St. Clair committed to the program. He was the second-rated QB recruit in the country in the 2025 class, only behind Bryce Underwood. Underwood has had some problems playing this season, and St. Clair can't even win the backup role.
Neither quarterback in the 2025 class seems to be doing that well at the moment. However, St. Clair still has a couple of years to figure things out. If Underwood continues to suck, he'll get benched for good. However, St. Clair was expected to be further along than this.
Getting passed up by a true freshman on the depth chart is not what St. Clair had in mind this season. This also doesn't set up well for his chances of winning the starting role next season if Sayin decides to leave early for the NFL. Fahey could be the favorite if Ohio State doesn't get a transfer.
Ohio State's future at QB is murky at best
If St. Clair doesn't pick it up, his future might be elsewhere. That would leave the future of the starting quarterback position very murky. Fahey will be back next year, but they wouldn't have anyone else on the depth chart if Sayin ends up leaving. That means a transfer quarterback is likely.
In 2028, the Buckeyes will have Christopher Vargas coming into the program. He's a five-star quarterback recruit in that class, and he has a chance to be a really good player. However, next year still could be an issue if St. Clair isn't able to improve in the next few months.
It's only a quarter through the season, so St. Clair still has a chance to push Fahey. However, the opportunities to get into games are dwindling now that the Big Ten portion of the schedule has started. He may only have a couple more chances this season to show his worth.
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