COLUMBUS — A fresh face has complicated what many expected to be a straightforward depth chart for Ohio State’s quarterbacks this fall.
Freshman surge changes expectations
Luke Fahey, a three-star recruit from Southern California, has emerged during preseason training to challenge Tavien St. Clair for the Buckeyes’ backup quarterback job behind returning starter Julian Sayin. That competition was not widely anticipated after Sayin returned as the team’s clear starter and St. Clair appeared to be positioned to climb the depth chart following last season.
Coach Ryan Day praised Fahey’s entrance into the rotation following the team’s first preseason intrasquad scrimmage on Aug. 15, noting the freshman’s work ethic and steady command of the offense.
“He’s really been going a great job. He’s putting a lot of pressure on Tavien. He really is. He’s been competing. He’s been making plays.”
From under-the-radar recruit to credible contender
Fahey did not arrive at Ohio State with the same star billing as some of his teammates. Recruiting services rated him as a three-star prospect in the class of 2026. Despite that, he has made a smooth transition into the program and reached a visible milestone when he lost his black stripe after the Aug. 15 scrimmage — a status indicator the staff uses to mark progress in practice.
Only three other freshmen — wide receivers Brock Boyd and Chris Henry Jr., and safety Jay Timmons — have removed the black stripe this offseason, underscoring how notable Fahey’s early advancement has been.
St. Clair’s standing and experience
St. Clair, a Bellefontaine native and one of Ohio’s highly touted recruits, was expected to move up after spending last season as the third quarterback. He appeared in one game last year, completing two pass attempts in the Buckeyes’ September victory over Grambling State.
He also gained attention as a top high school prospect, being the first Ohio high school quarterback since Joe Burrow to sign with Ohio State under scholarship terms. That pedigree contributed to expectations he would be the leading candidate for the backup role entering 2026.
Coaching perspective and what’s at stake
Day’s comments centered largely on Fahey’s development, signaling that the coaching staff values the freshman’s preparation and poise. The competition will matter in the short term — the No. 2 quarterback is the primary emergency option and may see action in mop-up situations or if injury forces an in-season change — and in the longer term as the Buckeyes build depth around Sayin.
Ohio State’s quarterbacks room now presents several questions for fans and evaluators: Will the staff prioritize experience and recruiting pedigree in St. Clair, or will Fahey’s camp performance and early practice gains carry the day? How quickly will the staff commit to a clear backup, and how much will special packages or situational play factor into their decision?
Quick reference: QB status entering camp
| Player | Class/Recruiting | 2025 role | 2026 camp note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Julian Sayin | Returning starter | Heisman finalist | Projected starter |
| Tavien St. Clair | Five-star; Ohio native | No. 3; appeared in one game | Presumed backup; being challenged |
| Luke Fahey | Three-star; freshman | N/A (freshman) | Lost black stripe; pushing for backup role |
What fans should watch
- How coaches allocate practice reps in the coming days and whether Fahey continues to take varsity-level snaps.
- Any public clarity from Ohio State on an official depth chart as the Buckeyes move closer to the season opener.
- Performance in early-season game situations, where the No. 2 quarterback’s readiness could be tested.
While Ohio State still projects to rely on Julian Sayin as the offense’s centerpiece, the emergence of Luke Fahey adds an unexpected storyline to fall camp. For now, the Buckeyes’ coaching staff appears content to let the competition play out on the practice field before naming a definitive backup.
Reporting from Columbus.
