Ohio State has Jeremiah Smith, sure. But a single star won’t drag them to a title. They need Brandon Inniss to finally explode into the beast scouts predicted back in 2023. Smith is going to eat up every double team, forcing defenses into ugly choices. If Inniss doesn’t punish those mistakes, the whole offense hits a glass ceiling. The entire 2026 season rides on him becoming that reliable second option.
The Long Road to Leadership
Inniss landed in Columbus as a five-star recruit with massive hype in the 2023 class. He knew the receiver room was the absolute hardest in college football to crack. Instead of transferring when playing time dried up, he stayed. He earned respect. According to Land-Grant Holy Land, teammates have praised his work ethic for years. He became a captain in 2025 despite never being the main focal point of the offense. That leadership matters. But stats matter more when the lights are bright.
He finally started in 2025. Finished with 36 receptions for 271 yards and three touchdowns. He also contributed as the primary punt returner for the team. Those numbers look solid on paper, but they don’t tell the full story. Land-Grant Holy Land reported that his value went far beyond the box score. His physical blocking and dependable hands earned him the trust of the coaching staff. Now he needs to turn that trust into big plays against top defenses.
The Difference Maker Role
Ohio State already has Chris Henry Jr. who might become a star on his own. Devin McCuin and Kyle Parker bring proven production from the transfer portal. A talented group of young receivers is pushing for playing time every day. But if the Buckeyes want to reach their offensive ceiling, Inniss must be the answer. He needs to be the WR2 who makes defenses pay when they overcommit to stopping Smith. That specific role will determine how explosive the offense becomes.
Smith is arguably the best player in college football and will command entire game plans. He will face bracket coverage and double teams in almost every game. The defense will try to take him out of the equation completely. If Inniss cannot take advantage of the single coverage he gets, the offense stalls. The team knows what it has in Smith, but it needs Inniss to be the reliable weapon next to him. The gap between a good season and a championship season is just one player. That player is Brandon Inniss.
Can he finally become the player everyone expected years ago? The talent is there, and the leadership is proven. Now the production must match the reputation. If he doesn’t step up, the Buckeyes might fall short of their goals. If he does, they’re unstoppable. The answer to that question starts with his first catch in the opener.
