Ryan Day reveals Julian Sayin's recovery timeline for Ohio State

Ohio State coach Ryan Day said injured quarterback Julian Sayin has a positive prognosis for his long-term recovery while not indicating on Thursday a timetable for the junior’s return.

Sayin, a 2025 Heisman Trophy finalist, suffered an injury to his right (throwing) arm or shoulder during Ohio State’s 19-15 win at Indiana on Oct. 17.

Day initially said that Sayin was expected to be sidelined for several weeks, then amended that the following week to the quarterback will be out indefinitely and likely to miss the rest of the season.

“All things considered — the outcome with different options that we were kind of going into the situation thinking it could be — I think this has been a decent outcome for us and for him,” Day said Thursday on his weekly radio show on 97.1 The Fan.

“We’ll let him kind of go through that.”

“But this thing looks to be healing.”

“It’s not going to be next week or next month,” Day said.

“It’s going to take some time, but I think certainly for the long term, we feel like we’re on a good track here.”

Sayin has completed 131 of 192 passes (68.2%) for 2,007 yards, 19 touchdowns and four interceptions in seven games this season.

He also rushed for two touchdowns.

He finished fourth in Heisman Trophy balloting last season when he threw for 3,610 yards, 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 14 games.

Ohio State (6-2, 4-1 Big Ten) had a bye week after the Indiana game before falling at Southern California 30-18 on Saturday.

Luke Fahey, Sayin’s replacement as starter, was 21-of-38 passing for 260 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions.

The Buckeyes, then ranked No. 2 in The Associated Press poll, were No. 12 in the initial College Football Playoff ranking announced Tuesday.

Ohio State plays host to No. 23 Oregon (5-3, 3-2) on Saturday.

Day also noted that Sayin has remained around the team during his recovery.

“It's been good to have him in the meetings, having Julian around the team,” Day said, via Bill Landis.

“You talk through a play and say, 'Jules, anything you can add,' and sometimes he'll say something.”

“He's got a good feel for that.”

“He communicates well.”

“I think it's important for him to be around the guys.”

“I think it says a lot about him that he's not just off doing his rehab.”

“He's with the team and takes his role very seriously.”

The injury occurred during Ohio State’s Week 7 win over Indiana.

Ohio State was driving down the field in the middle of the fourth quarter when Sayin was hit from his right side while looking to throw a pass to his left.

The hit caused a fumble and injured his elbow.

Sayin likely won’t be back for the rest of the season, but he could return to Ohio State next year instead of going to the NFL.

The Heisman Trophy is awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football.

Sayin finished fourth in the 2025 Heisman balloting, meaning he was one of the top vote-getters in the country.

The College Football Playoff selection committee releases weekly rankings that determine which four teams qualify for the postseason tournament.

Ohio State was ranked No. 12 in the initial CFP ranking, putting them on the bubble for a playoff spot.

The Buckeyes face a critical matchup against Oregon on Saturday, a game that could determine their playoff fate.

Day acknowledged the importance of the game without making any direct statements about the stakes.

The Oregon game is scheduled for Saturday at Ohio Stadium in Columbus.

Sayin’s status remains unchanged for that contest.

Day’s radio appearance was on 97.1 The Fan, a Columbus-based sports radio station.

Sayin’s 68.2% completion rate this season ranks among the best in the Big Ten.

His 19 touchdown passes in seven games put him on pace for a career high before the injury.

The Buckeyes have two regular-season losses, which makes every remaining game essential for playoff positioning.

Ohio State has won the Big Ten championship 39 times, most recently in 2020.

The program has produced seven Heisman Trophy winners, including Archie Griffin, the only two-time winner.

Sayin’s recovery timeline remains open-ended, with Day emphasizing the long-term outlook over any immediate return.

The team’s medical staff is overseeing Sayin’s rehabilitation.

Day did not specify the exact nature of the injury beyond it affecting Sayin’s throwing arm or shoulder.

The Ohio State coaching staff is preparing for Oregon with Fahey as the starting quarterback.