What now for Ohio State after losing its third game this season?

Ohio State's season has been turned completely upside down. 

The Buckeyes entered as the No. 1 team, and now, they have three losses to Texas, USC and Oregon, respectively. This has been their worst season since 2011, where their record was 6-7. The AP poll released its Top 25 on Sunday, and the Buckeyes sit at No. 21; they haven't been that low since being put at No. 22 in 2014 following a home loss against Virginia Tech.

Ohio State is in a tough situation now. They would have to win their final three games to have any chance at the College Football Playoff, and even then that path is highly uncertain. So what comes next?

Win the final three

Ohio State hosts Northwestern on Nov. 14, visits Nebraska on Nov. 21 and closes against Michigan at home on Nov. 28. The playoff is a long shot, but winning out keeps the chance alive. But winning these last three isn't all about the playoffs. None of those teams are currently ranked, so winning would show that they are still capable of beating the teams they are supposed to beat. 

Jeremiah Smith's future

Many all over the media have predicted that star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith will sit out the rest of the season. They say it would be the wise thing to do considering the playoffs are a long shot, winning the Heisman looks unlikely without quarterback Julian Sayin and to avoid injury ahead of the 2027 NFL Draft. There's already a precedent: Ja'Marr Chase skipped LSU's 2020 season and was still selected fifth overall and Nick Bosa played three games for Ohio State before sitting out the rest to prepare for the 2019 Draft. 

So far, no reports confirm that Smith is even considering this. Still, throughout Saturday's game against Oregon and the Oct. 31 game against USC, Smith was seen visibly frustrated. Losing him for the final games of the season would be very detrimental to this offense.

The quarterback room

Sayin fractured his right elbow Oct. 17 at Indiana and had surgery that involved plates and screws. January is the earliest he could return. Sayin is also eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft, and head coach Ryan Day has said the long-term outlook is bright. Sayin threw for 3,610 yards, 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions last season as a Heisman finalist, so his decision will shape a lot for next season.

Meanwhile, Luke Fahey has completed 57 passes out of 88 attempts and threw for 620 passing yards, three passing touchdowns and one interception in his two starts this season. Day has stayed with him throughout both games despite having a five-star sophomore quarterback on the bench. With the playoffs nearly gone, these next three games might be the best chance to evaluate Tavien St. Clair. It would also give St. Clair a reason to stay for next year if he starts in all these games.

Michigan matters most

Michigan is 5-4 overall and 2-4 in the Big Ten. The Wolverines managed 192 total yards, converted two of 10 third downs and didn't score until 1:35 remained in the fourth against Michigan State, where they lost 15-6. Ohio State broke Michigan's four game win streak last year, 27-9. A home loss to a Michigan team this bad would intensify the criticism of Day.

Ryan Day's job

Fans online have been calling for Day's job, primarily pointing to his 6-5 record over his last 11 games. But he led the Buckeyes to a national championship win just two seasons ago, and replaced eight defensive starters. It's hard to see a program moving on from a coach who delivered a title that recently over one bad season. Changes in the coordinators look much more likely.