Ohio State coach Ryan Day said on October 20, 2026, that quarterback Julian Sayin is out indefinitely with a throwing shoulder injury and that the Buckeyes plan to move forward without him. Later reporting describes the injury as being to Sayin's elbow, leaving the exact nature of the problem unsettled. On3 reports the program is planning as if Sayin will miss the rest of the season, and Luke Fahey is expected to start at USC on Saturday. Day has said the quarterback decision is ultimately his. Jeremiah Smith's Heisman odds moved from about minus 500 to plus 120 in two weeks.