A sudden Thanksgiving scare inside the Ohio State Buckeyes locker room

The Ohio State Buckeyes entered Thanksgiving week on a high—momentum rising, confidence sharpening, and star quarterback Julian Say emerging as one of the most promising leaders of the program’s future. But just days after the holiday, that optimism took an unexpected—and alarming—turn.

Team officials confirmed that Julian Say, along with several teammates, suffered symptoms of acute food poisoning following their Thanksgiving celebration. What began as a routine team gathering quickly spiraled into a medical concern that forced the program to issue an official health update late Sunday night.

Sources within the athletic department described the situation as “unfortunate, unexpected, and closely monitored,” emphasizing that while no player is believed to be in danger, precautionary medical intervention became necessary.

The announcement has sent shockwaves across the college football community, raising questions about player readiness, the team’s upcoming schedule, and how one holiday meal could impact one of the nation’s top football programs at a critical point in the season.

Inside the health scare that halted the team’s rhythm

According to team physicians, several players began to experience symptoms shortly after Thanksgiving dinner: nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, and fatigue. Julian Say reportedly experienced the most severe symptoms, prompting immediate evaluation by medical staff.

While the exact source of the contamination remains unknown, investigators are reviewing every component of the meal—from catered items to homemade dishes brought in by staff members and families. Officials stressed that determining the cause is essential to prevent any future incidents, especially during a season in which even minor disruptions can shift competitive momentum.

The Buckeyes had originally scheduled a light post-holiday practice, but the session was canceled entirely. Instead, the team facility transformed into a temporary medical unit where trainers and physicians provided fluids, monitoring, and rest protocols for the affected players.

One assistant coach described the situation as “a race against time to stabilize everyone before symptoms worsened,” emphasizing how rapidly the illness spread through the group.

Impact on Julian Say and what it means for the Buckeyes

For the Buckeyes, the greatest concern remains the status of quarterback Julian Say. The young star has become a central figure in Ohio State’s offensive evolution, known for his precision passing, calm leadership, and ability to command pressure situations.

Medical staff say Say is “improving, but not yet cleared for full physical activity.” His recovery timeline remains uncertain, depending entirely on hydration, nutrition response, and overall symptom resolution.

For a program with championship ambitions, the timing could not be more delicate. Ohio State is entering a pivotal stretch of the season, and any setback—especially to a quarterback of Say’s caliber—forces immediate strategic adjustments.

Coaches have reportedly begun contingency planning, including increased reps for backup quarterbacks and potential changes in the offensive playbook to reduce physical strain if Say returns at partial strength.

But beyond tactics, there is a psychological component: players and staff are grappling with the surreal nature of the setback. “You prepare for injuries, for tough opponents, for travel challenges,” a senior team member noted. “But nobody prepares for something like this.”

A program on alert and a fanbase holding its breath

Ohio State fans reacted swiftly across social media, expressing both concern for Say’s health and frustration at the unpredictable circumstances. Many recalled past seasons derailed by unexpected events, urging the program to prioritize recovery over competition.

Inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, leadership has adopted a cautious, player-first approach. Nutritionists have been reassigned to review all team meals. Training staff have added additional monitoring checkpoints. The school’s medical team is providing around-the-clock supervision for the affected athletes.

While early reports indicate that all players are expected to fully recover, the timeline remains the key question—one with no definitive answer yet.

What’s next for Ohio State

As the Buckeyes await further medical evaluations, clarity on player availability is expected in the coming days. Coaches continue to prepare for all scenarios, knowing that the team’s trajectory could shift dramatically depending on Julian Say’s recovery.

The Buckeyes are determined to maintain focus, emphasizing that adversity—no matter how unusual—cannot become a distraction. But privately, there is acknowledgment that this incident has added a layer of pressure and unpredictability at the worst possible time.

If Say returns quickly and the team regains its rhythm, this may be remembered merely as a Thanksgiving scare. But if complications linger, the ripple effects could be far more significant.

For now, all eyes remain on the quarterback room, the medical reports, and a team suddenly forced to confront one of the most bizarre challenges in recent program history.