Ohio State’s seven captains got a special kind of validation this weekend: not just from their teammates, but from the coaches who know them best and from the families who helped shape them.
Through the Buckeyes’ “Captain Calls” series, each captain took a call from a position coach, and that coach then turned the conversation toward the player’s family. The messages were personal, direct and built around what each Buckeye has brought to the program.
For Brandon Inniss, Cortez Hankton pointed to the traits that made the “Block O” captain stand out in the first place.
“He has earned and deserved this because of his character, his toughness, the leadership that he displays on a day-to-day basis and what he embodies in terms of what it is to be a Buckeye. ... We are so proud of him.”- Cortez Hankton to Brandon Inniss’ family
Hankton also had high praise for Jeremiah Smith, calling the honor a reflection of both Smith’s work and the people behind him.
“I can’t tell you how proud we are of this young man. Just everything that he does in terms of the work, who he is and just a true representation of what y'all have done in terms of raising him.
We’re excited, man. We're truly excited.
This is a phenomenal honor for him.”- Cortez Hankton to Jeremiah Smith’s family
Matt Guerrieri’s message to Jaylen McClain’s family centered on the way McClain carries that responsibility.
“He’s always represented your family amazingly. And he gets to represent our family now.
It's a big deal and a great honor. You know how much I love him; we love him.”- Matt Guerrieri to Jaylen McClain’s family
Larry Johnson highlighted Kenyatta Jackson Jr.’s path to the captaincy, framing it as a reward for persistence.
“I'm so happy for you, for all the right reasons. You grinded and stayed the course, man.
A lot of guys don't do that. You did.
You just got rewarded.”- Larry Johnson to Kenyatta Jackson Jr.
Tyler Bowen kept his remarks brief but pointed when speaking to Austin Siereveld’s family.
“I couldn't do it without him and these guys. You've got a good one here.”- Tyler Bowen to Austin Siereveld’s family
James Laurinaitis focused on what Payton Pierce means to the Buckeyes and to the Pierce name.
“I know you're extremely proud of him, as am I, about the way not only he carries himself and represents this university and our culture, but also the way he represents the Pierce last name is pretty special. I know you're proud, as you should be. I am, too.”- James Laurinaitis to Payton Pierce’s family
Billy Fessler’s note to Julian Sayin’s family underscored the quarterback’s growing command and competitive edge.
“He’s found his voice in a big way. He’s got total command.
He’s got fire. He’s an elite competitor right now.
It’s contagious to the rest of the offense.”- Billy Fessler to Julian Sayin’s family
By the time the calls wrapped up, Ohio State’s captains had heard a consistent message: their coaches see the leadership, toughness and work that earned them the role, and their families had a chance to hear it, too.
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 🡒]