Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith does not make empty statements. When the star wide receiver talks about a teammate, people listen.
This week Smith sent a clear message about senior wide receiver Brandon Inniss, and the comments have quickly become one of the more interesting storylines heading into the Buckeyes’ 2026 season.
Jeremiah Smith’s Strong Comments on Brandon Inniss
Speaking to Lettermen Row, Smith made it plain that he expects a different version of Inniss this fall.
“He was a leader, he was a captain, blocks his behind off, makes plays when his number is called. You’re going to see a different Brandon this year. The situation he was in the last two years, but I feel like this year he’s going to be pretty good,” Smith said.
The endorsement carries weight. Smith has established himself as one of the best receivers in the country. When he publicly predicts a breakout for a teammate, it signals both belief and raised expectations inside the program.
Brandon Inniss’ Path to This Point
Inniss arrived at Ohio State as a highly regarded five-star recruit. The production, however, has not yet matched the recruiting ranking.
In 2024 he recorded 14 catches for 176 yards across 16 games. In 2025 he improved to 271 receiving yards and three touchdowns while serving as a team captain. Those numbers reflect a player who contributed in limited opportunities rather than a featured option.
For most of the past two seasons, Smith and Carnell Tate handled the bulk of the targets, with tight end Max Clare also factoring into the passing game. Inniss often worked in a supporting role, valued more for his blocking, leadership, and reliability than for consistent statistical output.
Why 2026 Looks Different for Inniss
Several factors point to an increased role this season.
Ohio State returns only Inniss as a proven contributor alongside Smith at wide receiver. That reality creates both opportunity and necessity. The Buckeyes face one of the toughest regular-season schedules of the Ryan Day era, and the offense will need more balanced production to meet championship expectations.
Inniss is expected to be a captain again. Leadership has never been the question. The hope inside the program is that expanded opportunities and another year of development will finally unlock the production many projected when he signed.
Other Names in the Wide Receiver Room
Inniss will not be alone in competing for targets. LSU transfer Kyle Parker and UTSA transfer Devin McCuin are two newcomers who could push for snaps, particularly from the slot. Their presence adds competition, which often elevates the entire group.
Still, Inniss enters camp as the most experienced returning option next to Smith. How quickly he seizes that role will be one of the more important developments of the preseason.
What a Breakout Would Mean for Ohio State
A stronger season from Inniss would give the Buckeyes a more complete passing attack. Defenses already devote significant attention to Smith. A reliable second or third option who can win consistently would create better spacing and force opposing coordinators into more difficult choices.
For Inniss personally, a productive senior year would rewrite the narrative around his career in Columbus and strengthen his future prospects.
Bottom Line
Jeremiah Smith has put the spotlight on Brandon Inniss. The message is straightforward: expect a different player in 2026.
Whether that prediction becomes reality will play out over the coming months. For now, the warning has been issued, and the rest of the college football world has been put on notice that Ohio State is counting on more from one of its own.
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