Ohio State QB Crisis Tests Heisman Favorite

Jeremiah Smith enters Week 9 as the favorite for the Heisman Trophy at every major sportsbook, but his path to the award now hinges on how Ohio State manages a sudden quarterback emergency. The Buckeyes host USC on Saturday, and head coach Ryan Day has not yet named a starter. The choice lies between freshman Luke Fahey, sophomore Tavien St. Clair, or a combination of both.

This uncertainty follows an injury to Julian Sayin, who was limited late in a game against Indiana. Sayin had been the unquestioned starter and developed a deep chemistry with Smith over two years. That connection resulted in Smith leading the Big Ten in receiving yards and touchdowns through the first seven games. He currently holds 52 catches for 984 yards and 12 scores. Those numbers place him second in the nation for receiving yards and touchdowns, trailing only Oregon State freshman Jesse Legree.

Smith accounts for 43.5% of Ohio State’s receiving yards and 54.5% of their receiving touchdowns. This dominance has allowed him to carry the passing attack despite being the primary focus of defensive schemes. As the national schedule reaches its midpoint, Smith is widely considered the best player in college football. His main competitors are Miami’s Darian Mensah and Malachi Toney, who form a fast-charging duo that keeps pace with Smith in the voting.

The immediate challenge for Smith is maintaining his production with a quarterback who has not thrown him the ball in a game. A new starter may adopt a conservative approach to manage the offense, especially given the strength of Ohio State’s defense. This strategy could reduce the number of deep targets available to Smith. If he sees fewer opportunities while Miami’s receivers continue to accumulate stats, his standing in the Heisman race could slip.

Further instability could arise if Ohio State utilizes a two-quarterback system. Splitting series between Fahey and St. Clair would force Smith to adjust to two different release points and timing rhythms. This complexity makes it harder to establish the kind of automatic trust Sayin possessed. Voters often weigh late-season performance heavily, and Smith’s best early result, 164 yards against Texas, was marred by an offensive collapse that led to a loss. He needs a strong finish to cement his legacy.

Conversely, the quarterback change could bolster Smith’s case. If he continues to average around 100 yards and a touchdown per game with an unproven signal-caller, it would demonstrate his ability to perform under pressure. The offensive message in Columbus has always been to find Smith in the end zone. A young quarterback may be even more inclined to target him, knowing Smith can make plays in tight coverage. This reliance could make Smith’s numbers appear more impressive against the backdrop of a transition period.

Ohio State’s remaining schedule offers opportunities for high production. USC’s defense is porous, providing a suitable environment for a young quarterback’s debut. Oregon’s offense has struggled, and while their defense is solid, their offensive ineptitude may eventually expose them. Northwestern presents a matchup challenge on the perimeter, and Nebraska is dealing with internal issues. The only remaining ranked opponent is Northwestern, currently at No. 20.

The competition from Miami may also aid Smith. Mensah and Toney are likely to split votes in the Heisman race. Their critical test comes on Nov. 7 against Notre Dame. If Miami’s offense falters in that game, Smith’s path to the award becomes clearer. The outcome of the USC game on Saturday will provide an early indicator of how Ohio State navigates the quarterback transition. A strong performance against the Trojans would solidify Smith’s position, while a conservative approach could raise concerns for the remainder of the season.