Ohio State offense was thought to be a juggernaut, but is now dealing with significant injuries that will hamper its ability to score a lot of points. Quarterback Julian Sayin might be out for the rest of the season with an injured shoulder. Running back Ja’Kobi Jackson had Lisfranc surgery after breaking a bone in his foot. He was the top running back. Offensive lineman Austin Siereveld has a mysterious illness that has forced him to miss the past two games. It is hoped he will be back for the USC game a week from Saturday.
The Ohio State Offense has other weapons, but these injuries to starting players are significant. The injury to the starting quarterback will likely limit the productivity of Jeremiah Smith and the other wide receivers. There are other skilled running backs, but Ja’Kobi Jackson had won the starting job. The productivity of those running backs will be limited by the absence of Austin Sievereld, as he is probably the best offensive lineman for the Ohio State offense. How many injuries do you think the Ohio State offense can sustain?
Ohio State Offense 2026 Injuries
Before the season, it was thought that the Ohio State offense could be in the top five in the nation. They are still very good, though they are about to be hampered by major injuries. The full effect of these injuries will be felt on Halloween at USC, when the Buckeyes are going to travel to Los Angeles to take on USC. They will do so while contending with these injuries.
Julian Sayin
Head football coach Ryan Day said that quarterback Julian Sayin, who was injured in the game at Indiana. He is doubtful to return this season. Day said he did not want to set a timeline for Sayin’s return but said the Buckeyes are prepared for Sayin to miss the rest of the regular season as well as the potential that Sayin could miss the postseason. He might be back for the postseason, but maybe not. The Buckeyes are preparing to move forward this season without Sayin.
Julian Sayin suffered the injury on a sack by Indiana defensive tackle Mario Landino in the fourth quarter of the game, with just over eight minutes remaining. As Landino hit Sayin, his right arm was pinned against awkwardly to his body. There has been considerable speculation as to the nature of his injury, but it looked bad.
The Buckeyes are planning to compete the rest of the season without Sayin. Right now, they are practicing giving freshman Luke Fahey first-team repetitions. Fahey is drawing rave reviews and is both tough and smart. He read defenses quickly and was a great lacrosse player in high school. He will get the first crack at being the new starting quarterback for the Ohio State offense. He will be backed up by Tavion St. Clare.
Ja’kobi Jackson
Ja’Kobi Jackson surprised everyone after transferring from the University of Florida. It was assumed he would be a third-down back with returnees Bo Jackson and Isiah West splitting the bulk of the carries. Instead, he has become the featured running back. However, now he will be sidelined for the regular season after breaking the Lisfranc bone in his foot against Maryland. He had surgery.
Now the ither running backs will have to step up. That’s right, we are looking at you, Bo Jackson and Isiah West. Freshman Legend Bey, who to this point has not played much. That has been a coach’s decision, as Day has cited maturity issues. However, Bey is explosive. Look for him to play a larger role. Though to do that, he would need a healthy offensive line.
Austin Sievereld
It is not clear what kind of illness Austin Sievereld has, but it must be serious because he missed the last two games. This injury has had big implications for the Ohio State Offense. Phillip Daniels will replace Sievereld as Ohio State’s starting right tackle. Daniels surrendered the sack that got Sayin hurt. The Ohio State Offense ran the ball well against Indiana, but it would behoove the Buckeyes to get Siereveld back for the strech run.
Conclusion: Survival of the Fittest
Football is a struggle of the survival of the fittest. Often the team that is the deepest does the best. Now that the Ohio State starting quarterback is injured and the team’s starting running back is hurt, the depth of the Buckeyes will be challenged. Complicating these matters further are the injuries to the offensive line. Sierveld is the best offensive lineman on the Ohio State Offense, so the team certainly hopes to get him back.
Don't stop here
Every Score. Every Story. One Home.
Breaking sports, entertainment and news from across the Total Apex network, updated all day.
Get the Full Story →
