Ohio State will be led by seven team captains in 2026, the largest leadership group for the program since 2020 and only the seventh time in school history that many or more have been selected.
Head coach Ryan Day announced the captains on Saturday following a team scrimmage. The group was chosen by a vote of the players.
The 2026 Captains
- Brandon Inniss, senior wide receiver (returning captain and 2026 Block O recipient)
- Austin Siereveld, senior offensive lineman (returning captain)
- Julian Sayin, junior quarterback
- Jeremiah Smith, junior wide receiver
- Kenyatta Jackson Jr., senior defensive end
- Payton Pierce, junior linebacker
- Jaylen McClain, junior safety
Six of the seven were starters last season. Pierce is the only one who primarily served in a rotational role in 2025.
Why This Matters
Ohio State is replacing 11 starters from last year’s team, including four top-12 NFL Draft picks. With 51 new players on the roster, the program is relying heavily on returning veterans to maintain the standard and culture that has produced consistent success under Day.
Naming seven captains signals strong peer respect across multiple position groups and underscores the emphasis on leadership during a major roster transition.
Key Details Fans Need to Know
Inniss and Siereveld are both two-time captains. Inniss was also named the recipient of the prestigious Block O jersey, becoming only the third wide receiver in program history to receive the honor (joining Kamryn Babb and Xavier Johnson). The Block O recognizes toughness, accountability, and character in the tradition of Bill Willis.
Sayin becomes the first Ohio State quarterback named captain since C.J. Stroud in 2022. Smith, a unanimous All-American, continues to grow as a vocal leader in addition to his on-field production.
Pierce’s selection stands out as he prepares to help lead the linebacker room after the departures of Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese, both top-5 draft picks.
Day emphasized the cultural importance of the group in a statement:
“Our culture is built on tough love and fight. They understand our standard and what it means to carry our culture forward. … They helped bring this team, which includes 51 new players from a year ago, together, challenged their teammates, and built accountability across the roster.”
What Happens Next
The captains will be responsible for setting the tone in the final week of fall camp and throughout the season. Their ability to hold teammates accountable and integrate the large group of newcomers will be watched closely as Ohio State navigates a challenging schedule with national championship expectations.
The Bigger Picture
Day’s program has produced double-digit wins in every full season under his leadership and reached consecutive College Football Playoffs, including a national title in 2024. Maintaining that standard with significant roster turnover requires strong internal leadership.
The decision to name seven captains reflects confidence that these veterans are prepared to carry the culture forward while the new pieces find their roles.
FAQ Section
Who are the Ohio State captains for 2026? Brandon Inniss, Austin Siereveld, Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith, Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Payton Pierce, and Jaylen McClain.
How many captains does Ohio State usually have? The number varies by player vote. Seven is the most since 2020 and only the seventh time in program history.
Who received the Block O jersey? Senior wide receiver Brandon Inniss, a two-time captain.
Is Julian Sayin a first-time captain? Yes. He is the first Ohio State quarterback named captain since C.J. Stroud in 2022.
Why does having seven captains matter? It indicates broad peer respect across the roster during a year with significant roster turnover (51 new players).
Reader Question …
Which of the seven captains do you think will have the biggest leadership impact on this year’s team?
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