Ohio State and UCLA Navigate Playoff Run Without Starters
The two programs must rely on backup quarterbacks for the remainder of their respective seasons.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Football
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Should college football teams qualify for playoffs based on wins if their starting quarterback is injured?
Ohio State and UCLA are managing the loss of their starting quarterbacks as both teams push for spots in the College Football Playoff. The programs are now forced to demonstrate offensive viability with backup players after sustaining key injuries.
Why it matters
The College Football Playoff selection committee weighs offensive capability and overall strength when comparing teams, meaning performance under replacement signal-callers is critical for tournament qualification.
Luke Fahey has completed 9 of 13 passes for 203 yards this season, while Tavien St. Clair has attempted 7 passes for Ohio State. UCLA continues its unbeaten season with backup Ty Dieffenbach leading the offense.
The players
Julian Sayin
The Ohio State starting quarterback is currently sidelined indefinitely due to an arm injury.
Nico Iamaleava
The UCLA starting quarterback is out for the remainder of the season following a knee injury.
Luke Fahey
He is an Ohio State backup quarterback stepping into a larger role following the injury to the starter.
Ty Dieffenbach
He is the current starting quarterback for the UCLA football program.
Rece Davis
He is a prominent sports analyst who evaluates College Football Playoff selection criteria.
The details
Julian Sayin is sidelined indefinitely following an arm injury sustained during Ohio State's 19-15 win against Indiana. Meanwhile, UCLA continues to rely on Ty Dieffenbach after starter Nico Iamaleava suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Timeline
October 17, 2026: Julian Sayin suffered an arm injury during the game against Indiana.
October 29, 2026: Analysts discussed the impact of quarterback injuries on playoff selection criteria.
November 2026: UCLA is scheduled to play road games against Minnesota and Michigan.
Season Trajectory
Comparing current team performance to the 2014 Big Ten Championship provides a historical benchmark for how teams succeed after mid-season quarterback transitions. This scenario follows a pattern set by previous seasons where teams must adapt their offensive strategy to overcome personnel losses.
The transition to backup quarterbacks shifts the offensive ceiling for both teams, potentially affecting their standing with the selection committee. Fans should monitor the upcoming UCLA road games at Minnesota and Michigan as crucial metrics for the team's playoff viability.
The takeaway
Teams that lose starting quarterbacks must rely on statistical evidence of offensive productivity to maintain their playoff standing. Maintaining efficiency with backup personnel is the primary objective for both programs during the final stretch of the season.
Further reading
For more on the national landscape, see the latest coverage at Football.
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Should college football teams qualify for playoffs based on wins if their starting quarterback is injured?
