Ohio State’s Record Could Drop Even If They Win All Five

Ohio State's current record stands at 6-1, but they could potentially end the regular season with a losing tally, even if they secure victory in their last five games. This appears inconceivable, yet the mathematics alters if the team's present position is compromised prior to their subsequent match. The Buckeyes are currently navigating through a myriad of challenges.

They are grappling with a new quarterback conundrum and a demanding trip to Los Angeles. The team is without Julian Sayin, their starter, due to a right shoulder injury. Coach Ryan Day has confirmed that he will be replaced in the upcoming game against USC. The situation is further complicated as backup quarterbacks Luke Fahey and Tavien St. Clair have not been part of Ohio State's offense since the 2024 season.

Day hinted at the possibility of both backups sharing time in a single game, a scenario unprecedented for a top-ranked squad. The Buckeyes are set to face the highly ranked USC Trojans, who are currently 6-2 overall and 3-2 in the Big Ten conference. While Ohio State is favored to win, the Trojans are considered one of the most talented teams they have faced on film.

Day advised his team not to underestimate the USC opponents. Prior to this week, Ohio State's final five matches seemed daunting, including games against Texas, Iowa, Indiana, USC, Oregon, and Michigan. However, the outcome of these games has shifted due to the recent loss of several nationally ranked teams. Despite this, Ohio State remains ranked No. 2 in the country.

The team's focus now lies in their upcoming match against USC, where the margin of victory is a key topic of discussion among fans. Additionally, the recruiting battle between Ohio State and USC, with the latter securing the top-ranked class for the 2026 cycle, reflects the ongoing competition for top talent between the two programs.