Ohio State’s Playoff Hopes Hang by a Thread After Injury and Struggles

Ohio State, long a consistent playoff contender, now faces an uncertain path to the College Football Playoff after losing two games. Injuries to quarterback Julian Sayin and inconsistent performances across the roster have weakened the team. With four remaining games against tough opponents, an 8-4 record and playoff miss are now realistic scenarios.

Ohio State’s 2026 season has unraveled after a 3-2 record following losses to USC and Iowa, raising the possibility of an 8-4 finish—unthinkable for a program that has ranked no lower than seventh in the College Football Playoff rankings since their inception in 2014. The collapse began with the season-ending injury to starting quarterback Julian Sayin, whose absence exposed a lack of depth at the position. Despite being a five-star recruit and projected as the heir apparent, second-year QB Tavien St. Clair was not activated in critical moments, including short-yardage situations against USC, despite his 6-foot-5, 235-pound frame and mobility. Instead, true freshman Luke Fahey, a four-star prospect, became the backup but struggled with accuracy—completing only 10 of 18 passes to star receiver Jeremiah Smith—and failed on a crucial two-point conversion attempt that sailed into the LA Coliseum’s adjacent freeway. The running game has also faltered, ranking 90th nationally in yards per carry and producing just three runs of 20+ yards against Power 4 opponents all season—tied for 53rd among such teams. Even standout back Bo Jackson managed only 121 yards on 21 carries against USC’s defense. The offense has leaned heavily on Smith, who continues to perform, but other receivers have combined for just 15 receptions of 20+ yards all year. With four remaining games against tough opponents and no clear path to a third win, the Buckeyes’ playoff hopes are now contingent on external fact