Ohio State faces a turning point in the college football season as it prepares for Week 9 without quarterback Julian Sayin. The Buckeyes are set to lean on a younger backup in hopes of avoiding a second loss and keeping their season ambitions alive.

Bruce Thornton poured in 25 points and became Ohio State’s all-time leading scorer as the Buckeyes defeated Indiana 91-78. The guard added seven assists, with teammates John Mobley Jr. and Amare Bynum contributing 18 points apiece in the victory.

Georgia surged into the fourth and final first-round bye spot in the College Football Playoff rankings after Alabama’s setback. Meanwhile, Ohio State, Indiana, and Texas A&M remain on top, leaving fans to wonder about Miami’s uncertain situation.

A battle of unbeatens unfolds this Saturday at Husky Stadium, as Washington welcomes the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. Both teams stand at 3-0, setting the stage for a pivotal early-season matchup likely to capture the attention of college football fans nationwide.

Julian Sayin, a soft-spoken Californian tagged as a “silent assassin,” has been named Ohio State’s starting quarterback. His appointment sets off the next big question in Columbus: can the newcomer translate quiet confidence into locker-room leadership?

ESPN has turned its analytical eye toward the 2025 college football season, identifying the X-factors for its top 25 teams. At the forefront is Ohio State, with discussions revolving around what could set them apart.