Ohio State safety Jaylen McClain delivered a pivotal strip-sack against Indiana, helping the Buckeyes end the nation’s longest winning streak. The first sack and forced fumble of his college career echoed a defining play by his father, Maurice, who sealed a Syracuse upset with his first career interception. With quarterback Julian Sayin sidelined indefinitely, McClain and Ohio State’s rebuilt defense face added pressure as the team heads into a demanding stretch.

By the Numbers
  • McClain has 32 tackles, 2 interceptions, 4 pass breakups, 1 sack and 1 forced fumble through 7 games.
  • He forced a turnover in all 3 of Ohio State’s games against ranked opponents.
  • Ohio State is 6-1 overall and 4-0 in Big Ten play; its defense allows 13.4 points per game.
  • USC averages 303.6 passing yards per game, while quarterback Jayden Maiava has thrown a touchdown pass in 13 straight games.
Yes, But

Ohio State’s defense has held its last three October opponents to 15 points or fewer, but USC’s prolific passing attack presents a tougher test. The Buckeyes must also adjust without Sayin, with freshman Luke Fahey and Tavien St. Clair both in contention to start.

State of Play
  • No. 2 Ohio State visits USC before hosting Oregon on Nov. 7.
  • McClain is a Thorpe Award semifinalist and is expected to take on a bigger leadership role in the secondary.
  • Coach Ryan Day says the margin for error has narrowed as Ohio State pursues the Big Ten title and a College Football Playoff berth.
Bottom Line

McClain’s timely play has turned family defensive instincts into a major asset for Ohio State. With its quarterback situation unsettled and a high-powered USC offense up next, the Buckeyes will need that defense to keep delivering in big moments.