Nick Saban Explains Why Ohio State’s Backup Quarterback Doesn’t Need to Be a Hero vs. USC
· Yahoo Sports
The Ohio State Buckeyes face a quarterback change ahead of their USC matchup after Julian Sayin suffered an injury against Indiana.
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With two backups available to replace him, Nick Saban has shared what the Buckeyes need from their next starting quarterback.
Nick Saban’s advice for Ohio State’s backup against USC
Nick Saban has shared his expectations for Ohio State’s backup quarterback ahead of the USC matchup. Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, Saban said the replacement does not need to win the game on his own. Instead, he needs to play efficiently, make good decisions and avoid mistakes that could cost the team.
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) leaves the field in a sling following the 19-15 win over the Indiana Hoosiers in the NCAA football game at Memorial Stadium Stadium in Bloomington, Ind. on Oct. 17, 2026.“I don’t think this quarterback needs to win the game for them. He just needs to be efficient and effective enough not to lose it,” Saban said.
Ohio State will face USC without starting quarterback Julian Sayin, who suffered an injury during the October 17 game against Indiana. He remains sidelined indefinitely, leaving the Buckeyes to choose between two backup options
Before his injury, Sayin recorded 2,007 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and four interceptions in seven games. Ohio State will enter the game without its leading passer as the team prepares for the road matchup.
True freshman Luke Fahey and redshirt freshman Tavien St. Clair are the two candidates to replace Sayin. Fahey has recorded 203 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions this season. St. Clair has completed five of seven passes for 52 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Neither backup has extensive experience leading Ohio State’s offense. Both could have an opportunity to take on a larger role in the upcoming matchup.
The No. 2-ranked Buckeyes enter the USC game with a 6–1 record. They average 39.3 points per game and allow 13.4 points per game on defense. Those numbers give the team production on both sides of the ball entering the matchup.
Ohio State also has established offensive contributors. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has recorded 984 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns this season. Running back Bo Jackson has added 516 rushing yards, giving the offense another option alongside its passing attack.
USC enters the October 31 matchup with a 6–2 record. The teams will meet at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava has thrown for 2,303 yards and 19 touchdowns this season.
With Sayin unavailable, Fahey or St. Clair will have to lead Ohio State’s offense against USC. The Buckeyes enter the matchup with established contributors on both sides of the ball as they adjust at quarterback.
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