Unranked USC claims 30-18 upset victory over Ohio State

Ohio State offensive line gets ready for action. (Photo: Ohio State Football)

LOS ANGELES, CA — In Ohio State's first game without their starting quarterback, Julian Sayin, who is sidelined indefinitely due to a shoulder and elbow injury, the team struggled offensively, resulting in a 30-18 defeat against unranked USC.

"It's extremely frustrating, just to many mistakes overall" — Ryan Day.

True freshman Fahey made his first career start for the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes; he completed 21 of 38 passes for 260 yards and 1 touchdown. This touchdown was scored late in the fourth quarter, connecting with Jeremiah Smith for the Buckeyes' sole touchdown. 

"I think for Luke he competed. It wasn't perfect," said Day. "To come into a game with a young quarterback and not play cleaner than we did, just too many penalties." 

Despite 204 rushing yards, the running game couldn't find the end zone, and 12 of their 18 points came from field goals.

With the offense rushing 43 times and throwing 38 times, it should have been a balanced attack capable of producing points. "We found ourselves down in those red zone situations; we weren't able to execute very well, didn't play clean," said Day. 

Fahey targeted Jeremiah Smith 13 times in an offense that had him mostly using play-action plays and moving behind the offensive line due to his small stature. Brandon Ennis was a game-time scratch also for the Buckeyes. 

The Buckeyes' defense was without Jay Timmons, another freshman whose presence at the cornerback position has an impact, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. "He kinda tweaked it in the Indiana game." Day said when asked when Timmons knew he wasn't playing in this game.

It seems that they need to 'win out' to stay alive in the College Football Playoff, as their margin for error is gone after this defeat. 

Jeremiah Smith (4) adding to his list of receptions during the game against USC. (Photo: Ohio State Football)

Jeremiah Smith Continues to Add to Historic Season

Smith caught his 40th career touchdown pass from Fahey in the final quarter, passing Braylon Edwards' previous conference record of 39 touchdowns set in 2004. 

What's Next?

With the first College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings for the 2026 season being released on November 3, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. live on ESPN, the Buckeyes (6-2, 4-1) have to see where they line up after a devastating loss. 

They will host unranked Oregon at the Shoe on November 7, with a 3:30 kickoff.