Brandon Inniss Just Took On A Symbolic Ohio State Role

Brandon Inniss is set to don Ohio State's prestigious Block O jersey in 2026, symbolizing his exemplary character and leadership within the Buckeyes' ranks.

Brandon Inniss is getting Ohio State’s most prized jersey for 2026, a nod that says as much about who he is in the locker room as what he does on the field.

The senior wide receiver was announced Saturday as the next Buckeye to wear the Block O, the number that honors Bill Willis and the standards he represented: toughness, accountability and the highest of character. Inniss becomes the seventh Ohio State player to receive the jersey since it was first introduced in 2020, when the NCAA began allowing players to wear No. 0.

Here’s the full run of Block O recipients:

2020: Jonathon Cooper, DE

2021: Thayer Munford, OL

2022: Kamryn Babb, WR

2023: Xavier Johnson, WR

2024: Cody Simon, LB

2025: Sonny Styles, LB

2026: Brandon Inniss, WR

For Inniss, the number change is another step in a career that has already involved plenty of switching. He’ll move to No. 0 this season after wearing No. 1 last year and beginning his Ohio State career in No. 11.

The honor also comes with more responsibility. Inniss is a captain again in 2026, giving him back-to-back years in that role. He’s one of seven Ohio State captains this season, joined by Jeremiah Smith, Julian Sayin, Austin Siereveld, Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Payton Pierce and Jaylen McClain.

On the field, Inniss is heading into his second season as a starter in the Buckeyes’ offense. His numbers last year - 36 catches, 271 yards and three touchdowns - didn’t match the expectations around him, but his standing inside the program never slipped. His competitiveness and leadership have made him a player his teammates trust.

At Big Ten Media Days, Smith put it plainly: “He’s a leader. He’s a captain.

Blocks his behind off, makes plays when his number’s called. You'll see a different Brandon this year,” Smith said at Big Ten Media Days.

In Other News...

Ohio State May Have Found Jeremiah Smiths Most Dangerous New Running Mate

Ohio States passing game already has a centerpiece in Jeremiah Smith, but the preseason chatter around the Buckeyes is starting to turn toward who can force defenses to pay for loading up on him. Eleven Warriors ranking of the programs top 20 players for 2026 points to Devin McCuin as the likeliest No. 2 receiver, and the fit is obvious enough to get attention. The UTSA transfer brings proven production, having piled up 152 catches, 1,696 yards and 16 touchdowns in three seasons, along with the speed and playmaking traits that can stretch a defense horizontally and vertically.

What has made McCuin stand out inside the program is not just the track record, but the way Ohio States coaches and teammates have talked about him since he arrived. Theyve praised his physicality, his football IQ and the kind of impact he can have on an offense that expects to keep the pressure on opposing secondaries. If McCuin does become the Buckeyes next dangerous running mate for Smith, it could give Ohio State the sort of receiver pairing that turns a good passing attack into a nightmare to defend. [Read more 🡒]

Ohio States Backfield Suddenly Looks Like A Real Strength Again

Ryan Day has made it clear throughout camp that Ohio States season will depend in part on getting steady production from the backfield, and the early signs have been encouraging. Bo Jackson has stood out with noticeable improvement, while Isaiah West and transfer JaKobi Jackson have added to the sense that this group is deeper and more competitive than it was a year ago.

For a team with big goals, that matters because the Buckeyes do not just need one runner to pop, they need a room that can carry real weight when the schedule tightens. The coaching staff and players have both pointed to the talent in the group as a key piece of what they are trying to build, and the challenge now is turning a promising camp into something that holds up once the games start. [Read more 🡒]

Ohio State Has A Quarterback Problem Behind Julian Sayin

Julian Sayin has settled in as Ohio States starter for the upcoming season, but the depth chart behind him is still taking shape. Ryan Day said freshman Luke Fahey and Tavien St. Clair are continuing to battle for the backup job, and the competition has not been decided yet as the Buckeyes work through camp.

Fahey and St. Clair are both expected to get early-season snaps, giving the staff a clearer read on which young quarterback is ready if the need arises. For Ohio State, the bigger question may not be who wins the job today, but who can be trusted to step in behind Sayin when the games start to matter. [Read more 🡒]