September 2, 2026
Day leaves backup QB battle open as Ohio State preps for Ball State opener
Ryan Day said Tuesday that Tavien St. Clair and Luke Fahey will both receive reps in Week 1, while analysts flag the rebuilt defensive line as the season's biggest unknown.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day entered the final week of preparation for the Buckeyes' 2026 season opener against Ball State on Wednesday with most of his depth chart settled — but with one position still deliberately unresolved. At his weekly press conference, Day confirmed that the backup quarterback competition between Tavien St. Clair and Luke Fahey would carry into the game itself, with both players expected to see action.
We're going to let those guys continue to split reps with the twos this week and see how the week goes. And if we can get them both reps in the game, we'll try to do that. We'll just kind of see how the game goes.
— Ryan Day, Ohio State head coach
St. Clair, a former five-star recruit, is widely viewed as the eventual heir apparent behind starter Julian Sayin. Fahey, a three-star prospect from the 2026 recruiting class, has pushed the competition into fall camp. Day also singled out freshmen Chris Henry Jr. and Brock Boyd as players who could see time with the first unit, while a longer list of newcomers — including Jay Timmons, Khary Wilder, and transfers Dominick Kelly, Cam Calhoun, and Ja'Kobi Jackson — is expected to get snaps in the second half against the Cardinals.
On the offensive side, Day has finalized at least portions of his starting line, with Ian Moore at left tackle and Austin Siereveld at right guard. Larger structural questions about Arthur Smith's offense in its first game — including how tight ends, running backs, and wide receivers will be rotated — remain unanswered heading into kickoff.
Defensive line depth the season's biggest question
Analysts covering the program on Wednesday identified the defensive front as the most consequential unknown of the 2026 season. Ohio State returns only three starters from last year's historically productive unit. Caden Curry, who led the team with 11 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss, and unanimous All-American tackle Kayden McDonald are both gone. Fifth-year defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr., a team captain, is expected to anchor the edge, with sophomore Beau Atkinson, Zion Grady, and Alabama transfer Qua Russaw also projected for significant snaps. Inside, Ohio State has added Alabama transfer James Smith and UCF transfer John Walker alongside returning options Eddrick Houston and Will Smith Jr.
Reports out of camp describe the defensive line as exceptionally deep, suggesting coordinator Larry Johnson will rotate more freely than in recent seasons. The open question is whether that collection of talent can match the proven individual production that departed. Ohio State is a heavy favorite against Ball State, with the game also carrying Senior Day festivities. Week 2 brings a matchup with Texas, giving the Buckeyes' opener added significance as an evaluation opportunity before a marquee test.
