Ohio State enters the final days of its bye week with a clearer picture of its personnel situation before traveling to face USC on October 31 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Head coach Ryan Day has addressed multiple injury questions in recent days, providing both confirmation of long-term absences and some positive indicators for other players. The Buckeyes will take the field without starting quarterback Julian Sayin for the first time this season, while other key pieces on offense remain sidelined or are working their way back. The timing of these updates, coming after a week of rest and additional practice, gives the staff a more complete assessment of what it can deploy against a ranked opponent on the road.
Julian Sayin’s Status Forces a Full-Season Contingency Plan
Sayin suffered an injury to his right throwing arm in the fourth quarter of Ohio State’s 19-15 win at Indiana on October 17. He was sacked by Mario Landino, left the field, and later returned to the sideline wearing a sling. Initially described as an absence of several weeks, Day updated the situation on October 20. He stated that Sayin is out indefinitely and that the program is preparing for the possibility he will not be available for the remainder of the regular season or the postseason. Day declined to provide a specific recovery timeline and emphasized giving Sayin and his family privacy regarding the details of the injury. He also noted that a return before the end of the regular season appears doubtful based on the nature of the injury.
Before exiting against Indiana, Sayin had thrown for 235 yards and two touchdowns in that game. Through seven games this season he has accumulated more than 2,000 passing yards with 19 touchdowns. His absence removes the primary playmaker from an offense that has relied on his accuracy and decision-making. The bye week has allowed true freshman Luke Fahey and sophomore Tavien St. Clair to split first-team reps. Day has indicated he will name a starter closer to the USC game, with Fahey having entered as the backup during the Indiana contest. The change represents the first time this season the Buckeyes will operate without their established starter, and the staff is adjusting the game plan accordingly for a road environment against USC’s defense.
Ja’Kobi Jackson’s Recovery Timeline Extends Beyond the Immediate Stretch
Running back Ja’Kobi Jackson is also unavailable for the USC game and is not expected to return until at least the regular-season finale against Michigan. Jackson underwent surgery for a Lisfranc injury in his foot after being hurt in the fourth quarter of the win over Maryland on October 10. He missed the Indiana game and will remain out for several additional weeks. A transfer from Florida who has used a seventh year of eligibility, Jackson entered the season as a significant contributor in the backfield. He rushed for 354 yards and six touchdowns on 59 carries through the first six games before the injury.
With Jackson sidelined, the backfield rotation has shifted. Bo Jackson has taken on a larger share of carries, including 18 attempts for 56 yards against Indiana. Isaiah West and Legend Bey have also seen increased opportunities. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has not provided a firm return date beyond the hope that Jackson can be available by late November. The extended absence removes one of the more experienced options in the running game at a time when the quarterback position is also in transition. Ohio State will need production from the remaining backs to support the pass game and control the clock against USC.
Austin Siereveld’s Return Provides a Boost on the Offensive Line
One area of encouraging news involves starting right guard Austin Siereveld. He has missed the last two games with an undisclosed issue that was initially described as a non-football illness. Day has offered a positive update indicating Siereveld is expected to be available for the USC game. His return would restore a versatile lineman who has played both guard and tackle during his career at Ohio State. Earlier in the season he shifted to tackle when other injuries occurred on the right side. Against Indiana, the line struggled at times to protect the quarterback, with the sack that injured Sayin coming from the right edge.
Siereveld’s availability gives the staff flexibility in how it aligns the right side of the line. Options include starting him at tackle with another player at guard, or returning him inside and placing Phillip Daniels at tackle. Either configuration would represent an upgrade from the combination that faced Indiana. With an inexperienced quarterback set to start, consistent protection and run blocking become more important. The bye week has given Siereveld additional time to recover, and his expected presence is one of the clearer positive developments for the offense heading into the road trip.
Additional Defensive Notes and Overall Depth Picture
Day has also indicated that several defensive players who were limited or unavailable against Indiana are expected to return or be closer to full availability against USC. Edge rusher Kenyatta Jackson Jr., defensive tackle John Walker, and defensive back Jay Timmons were among those affected in the Indiana game. While not every player is guaranteed to play, the majority are trending toward participation. This helps stabilize the defense at a time when the offense is absorbing multiple absences.
The combination of updates paints a mixed but more defined picture. The loss of Sayin for the foreseeable future is the most significant development, and the extended absence of Ja’Kobi Jackson further thins the offensive skill group. At the same time, Siereveld’s expected return and the projected availability of several defensive contributors provide tangible reinforcements after the bye. Ohio State will travel to Los Angeles with a reshaped offense built around a new quarterback and a backfield that lacks one of its more productive runners. How effectively the returning pieces on the line and defense can compensate will be tested immediately against USC. The clarity gained during the bye week allows the staff to finalize its plan with fewer unknowns than existed immediately after the Indiana game.
