The honeymoon period for Luke Fahey in Columbus is officially over. After Saturday's blowout loss to Oregon, Ohio State fans have made one thing crystal clear: they want to see five-star freshman Tavien St. Clair under center.
Fahey, a three-star recruit from Mission Viejo, California, has started the last two games in relief of injured Julian Sayin. The results have been far from encouraging. The Buckeyes are 0-2 in those starts, and their College Football Playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. The loss to the Ducks was especially painful—a 14-0 lead evaporated into a lopsided defeat that left the home crowd in shock.
The numbers tell part of the story: Fahey threw for 360 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception on 50 attempts, but most of that production came in garbage time, long after the game was decided. Bo Jackson's two early scores gave Ohio State a spark, but the offense sputtered from there, and the defense couldn't stop Oregon's relentless attack.
Now, the fan base is voicing its frustration in no uncertain terms. Social media lit up with calls for St. Clair, the former five-star who was supposed to be the future of the program. "Fahey looks terrible. What does Ohio State have to lose by putting in TSC? The coaches just refuse to play him," one fan posted. Another asked, "How is Fahey still in as opposed to seeing what another QB can give you?"
Some fans are even questioning the coaching staff's decision-making. "You'd almost think that Luke Fahey and Arthur Smith passionately despise Jeremiah Smith. This is so disgusting," one user wrote, referencing the star receiver's lack of targets. Others were more blunt: "Luke Fahey (expletive) sucks."
Even rival fans are piling on. A Michigan native commented, "Ohio State fans love to clown on us, but their five-star quarterback can't even play over Luke Fahey who's complete (expletive)." The sentiment is clear: the Buckeyes have a talent sitting on the bench, and fans want to see him get a shot.
It's a familiar situation for head coach Ryan Day, who has faced growing criticism from Buckeye Nation as the losses mount. Day has remained loyal to Fahey, but that loyalty is wearing thin. "Not Fahey's fault, but at some point we need to give TSC a shot see if we can get a spark," one Buckeyes fan commented, echoing a sentiment that's becoming impossible to ignore.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Ohio State's playoff hopes are on life support, and the offense needs a jolt. St. Clair's athleticism and arm strength could provide exactly that, but the coaching staff has been reluctant to make the switch. Whether that changes after this latest setback remains to be seen, but the pressure is mounting.
For now, the message from the stands is unanimous: it's time for a change. Whether Day listens could define the rest of the season.
