South Florida Pipeline: How a Hotbed of Talent is Powering Ohio State’s Playoff Push
ARLINGTON, Texas - When Ohio State defensive lineman Kenyatta Jackson Jr. first saw Jeremiah Smith take the field as a sophomore at Chaminade-Madonna, he knew the young wideout had something special. But even Jackson admits he didn’t quite see this coming.
“Seeing him in practice and then seeing him do what he does in games and stuff like that,” Jackson said, shaking his head, “I didn’t think it was going to be this big, but, man, I’ve seen the vision.”
That vision has become reality in Columbus. Jackson, Smith, and fellow South Florida native Brandon Inniss have all taken their talents from the 305 and 954 to the heart of Buckeye country, forming a key part of Ohio State’s national recruiting machine. And as the Buckeyes prepare for a high-stakes playoff clash, the South Florida connection isn’t just a storyline - it’s a foundational piece of the program’s success.
A Blueprint Built on South Florida Speed and Skill
Ohio State has long been a national brand, but their consistent success pulling elite talent out of South Florida has become a defining feature of their recruiting strategy. The Buckeyes currently have eight players from the state of Florida on the roster - four from Miami-Dade or Broward counties - and they’re not just filling out the depth chart.
Jackson and Smith are full-time starters. Inniss and running back CJ Donaldson are key rotational pieces who see significant playing time.
“They have tremendous talent,” head coach Ryan Day said of the region. “Always have. And we want to do our part in that area.”
Day credits wide receivers coach Brian Hartline and tight ends coach Keenan Bailey - a Broward County native - for building and maintaining the Buckeyes’ strong presence in South Florida. But it’s the players themselves who have turned that presence into production. And as Day sees it, that success creates a ripple effect.
“When guys like Jeremiah, Kenyatta, Brandon - when they succeed here, it shows the next wave of talent that this is a place where you can thrive,” Day said. “There’s a blueprint now. You’re not just hoping it works - you’ve seen it work.”
Brotherhood Beyond the Field
For players like Jackson and Inniss, the bond goes beyond football. They’ve known each other for years, growing up on the same fields and under the same Friday night lights. That familiarity has made the transition to college life - and the demands of a top-tier program like Ohio State - a little smoother.
“We grew up together, pretty much,” Jackson said. “And it’s just a blessing to see us, you know, come from where we came from, and now we’re here. It’s truly a blessing.”
That sense of shared history has helped create a tight-knit group within the locker room - one that supports each other, competes with each other, and pushes each other to be better. And now, as they sit on the doorstep of a national championship opportunity, that connection is more valuable than ever.
Familiar Faces, Opposing Sides
But not every South Florida star made the trip to Columbus. Two highly touted running backs - Mark Fletcher Jr. and Jordan Lyle - initially committed to Ohio State before flipping to Miami.
Fletcher, in particular, has made his presence felt. He rushed for a career-high 172 yards in Miami’s first-round win over Texas A&M, helping set up a playoff showdown with the very program he once pledged to.
“Honestly - because I don’t want to speak for anybody else - but for me, I’ve just always been succeeding in South Florida,” Fletcher said. “And the fact that I earned the opportunity to do that again, I didn’t want to change that.”
Now, Fletcher will line up against former high school teammate Brandon Inniss in a game with massive stakes. But despite the intensity of the matchup, the bond between them hasn’t wavered.
“I’ve been sending him Bible verses,” Fletcher said. “He sends me some stuff.
That’s my brother, man. We’re just excited that we’re here.”
South Florida at the Center of It All
This playoff game is more than just a clash of two powerhouse programs - it’s a showcase of what South Florida football has become: a breeding ground for elite talent that can shape the outcome of college football’s biggest moments.
Whether they’re wearing scarlet and gray or orange and green, these players carry the same roots, the same drive, and the same pride in where they come from. And when the lights go on in Arlington, South Florida will be front and center - not just in the storylines, but on the stat sheet.
For Ohio State, the South Florida pipeline isn’t just working. It’s thriving. And if the Buckeyes make a run at the title, you can bet that Jackson, Smith, Inniss, and the rest of the Sunshine State crew will be right in the middle of it.