Main Story

Julian Sayin’s uncertain recovery could shape both Ohio State’s playoff seeding and the committee’s view of the Buckeyes’ championship chances. Coach Ryan Day says the quarterback will miss “at least several weeks,” but testing is ongoing and no return timeline is set. The projection keeps Ohio State at No. 2 while Miami moves to the top spot; BYU enters the field after beating Notre Dame.

By the Numbers
  • Sayin has thrown for 2,007 yards and 19 touchdowns through seven games.
  • Ohio State is 6-1 and projected as the No. 2 seed.
  • Miami is 6-0 and projected as the No. 1 seed; BYU is 6-0 and projected at No. 4.
  • CBS Sports’ model gives Texas Tech an 83.5% chance and Notre Dame an 83.2% chance to make the playoff.
Yes, But

The committee’s protocol allows it to consider the unavailability of key players and how it may affect a team’s postseason outlook. A loss with backup Luke Fahey could carry different weight depending on whether Sayin is expected back this season. The 2023 Florida State precedent—left out of the playoff after quarterback Jordan Travis suffered a season-ending injury—underscores the stakes, but Sayin’s status remains unclear.

State of Play
  • Ohio State remains No. 2 in the projection despite the injury uncertainty.
  • The projected 12-team field also includes Georgia, BYU, Ole Miss, Indiana, Texas Tech, UCLA, Tennessee, Kentucky, Notre Dame and Boise State.
  • Ohio State’s projected quarterfinal path begins against the winner of Texas Tech-Kentucky.
What’s Next

Further medical testing should clarify Sayin’s recovery timeline and whether he can return during the regular season. His availability—and how Ohio State performs without him—could shift the Buckeyes’ playoff outlook as the committee weighs the field.

Bottom Line

Ohio State’s playoff position is holding for now, but Sayin’s recovery is the pivotal variable: it could influence the team’s performance, its seeding and how the committee assesses its title chances.