A few weeks before the biggest game circled on the calendar for the Oregon Ducks, a significant shift under center could dramatically shift the perception of a game everyone has been looking forward to.
Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin left early in the Buckeyes' win on the road over Indiana, and later returned to the sideline sporting a sling on his right arm. After the game, Buckeyes' coach Ryan Day said Sayin will be out for "several weeks," which is significant given Ohio State's upcoming schedule.
Oregon will travel to Columbus in three weeks to play on Nov. 7. Ohio State is heading into a bye week before traveling to face USC on Halloween. That's a difficult two-game stretch for the Buckeyes, and they could play through both games with
Luke Fahey, a freshman quarterback and former three-star recruit.
Fahey has seen limited action this season, throwing two touchdowns and two interceptions in mop-up duty. He didn't complete either of his pass attempts against the Hoosiers in the fourth quarter, but he did scramble for eight yards and drew a flag on a late hit that gifted Ohio State a first down.
Tough injury news for Ohio State: Starting QB Julian Sayin is expected to miss at least a couple of weeks with his injury.
— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) October 17, 2026
The Buckeyes have USC, Oregon, Northwestern and Nebraska on deck. https://t.co/RyKM8MAaDN
Obviously, Ohio State makes life easier on its quarterbacks with Jeremiah Smith out wide and emerging freshman Chris Henry Jr. also making big plays. However, the Ducks could take advantage of Fahey's inexperience if they get the chance to face him, as the Oregon defensive line has played much better as of late.
Oregon will need to win to make the game matter, but if the Ducks roll into Columbus on a winning streak, they could have Dante Moore back for the showdown. If not, the Ducks will likely have Brock Thomas, the senior walk-on who will start on Saturday against Nebraska, or Dylan Raiola under center. Oregon's matchup against Ohio State was billed in the preseason as a game between two Heisman-contending quarterbacks. Now, neither of them may suit up.
Sayin's condition will be something we will monitor as Oregon's game in Columbus draws closer. The Ducks will host Nebraska on Saturday night, with kickoff set for 8 p.m. PT.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Ohio State's Julian Sayin status in question for Oregon game after injury
