He stayed.
That shouldn't be the lead story for a five-star recruit at a place like Ohio State, but in the modern era of the transfer portal, it’s practically a miracle. Last summer, the rumors were flying. People were saying Brandon Inniss could've easily commanded seven figures to jump ship and play elsewhere. Instead, he put on a captain’s jersey and decided to finish what he started in Columbus.
If you’ve watched Brandon Inniss at Ohio State over the last two seasons, you know the stats don’t actually tell the whole story. On paper, you see a guy with 36 catches for 271 yards in 2025. You see a few touchdowns. But if you're just box-score watching, you’re missing why Brian Hartline and the rest of the coaching staff are obsessed with this kid.
Inniss isn't just another body in the "Wide Receiver U" rotation. He’s the pulse of the room.
The Five-Star Who Became a "Glue Guy"
When Inniss committed to Ohio State out of American Heritage, he was the No. 22 overall player in the country. He was the guy who played quarterback in high school because his team needed him. He was the kid who beat out seniors as an eighth grader. Most players with that pedigree arrive at college expecting 1,000 yards by November.
But the Buckeyes' room is a different beast. He had to wait.
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Honestly, it’s kinda rare to see a guy with his talent level embrace the "dirty work" so early. In 2024, he was primarily a special teams weapon. Remember that 21-yard touchdown against Penn State? That was the moment most fans realized he was different. He didn't just catch the ball; he ran through people. He plays like a linebacker who accidentally grew into a slot receiver's body.
A Leadership Leap in 2025
Before the 2025 season even kicked off, something happened that caught "casual" fans off guard. Inniss was named a captain as a true sophomore/junior-to-be.
- Weight: 199 lbs of pure muscle.
- Role: Starting slot receiver and primary punt returner.
- Mentality: "Iron Buckeye" winner (winter and summer 2025).
Being an "Iron Buckeye" isn't just a gym award. It means you’re the most reliable, hardest-working person in the building. While Jeremiah Smith was grabbing the national headlines and Carnell Tate was stretching the field, Inniss was the one doing the "unglamorous" things. He’s the guy blocking a safety into the dirt to spring a running back for ten yards.
Why the Numbers Are Deceptive
Let’s get into the weeds of the 2025 season. Inniss finished with 36 receptions. That’s not "All-American" production on the surface. But look at the context. Ohio State's offense in 2025 was navigating a transition to Julian Sayin at quarterback and dealing with a defense that was so dominant they often didn't need to air it out for four quarters.
There was a stretch in September where Inniss only had five catches over several weeks. People started asking, "Where is Brandon Inniss?"
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Then November hit.
When the Buckeyes were "hobbled" by injuries in the receiver room, Inniss became the safety valve. He dropped a career-high six catches against UCLA. He hit the "Silencer" celebration after a score against Michigan. He basically became the guy Julian Sayin looked for on every 3rd-and-short. You can't quantify "clutch" with a simple yardage total, but if you watched the Big Ten Championship loss to Indiana—a game Inniss took personally—you saw him trying to drag that offense across the finish line.
The "Return" and the 2026 Outlook
Just a few days ago, on January 15, 2026, Brandon Inniss officially announced he’s coming back for his senior season.
This is massive. Huge.
With Carnell Tate declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft, the Buckeyes needed a veteran presence to pair with Jeremiah Smith. Inniss could have tested the draft waters himself or, as mentioned, chased a massive NIL bag elsewhere. By staying, he’s positioning himself to be the undisputed leader of the 2026 squad.
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The 2026 offense is going to look a bit different. They’ve added UTSA transfer Devin McCuin and kept guys like Austin Siereveld on the line. But Inniss is the constant. He’s the bridge between the "old" guard and the next wave of superstars.
What to Expect Next Season
- Increased Target Share: With Tate gone, those 80+ targets have to go somewhere.
- Special Teams Lethality: He’s already one of the most dangerous punt returners in the Big Ten. Expect a return TD in 2026.
- NFL Draft Stock: Scouts love his "play strength." He doesn't have the 6'3" frame of some other OSU greats, but he’s built like Deebo Samuel. Another year of high-volume production could vault him into the late first or early second-round conversation.
Actionable Insights for Buckeyes Fans
If you're following the Brandon Inniss Ohio State journey, don't just look at the receiving yards. Watch his tape on 3rd downs. Watch how he blocks in the run game.
To really keep up with his progression this spring, you should:
- Monitor the Spring Game: See how his chemistry with Julian Sayin has evolved now that they are the "veteran" duo.
- Watch the Punt Returns: In 2025, he averaged 7.6 yards per return. If that jumps to 10+, he’s an All-American candidate.
- Track his leadership: He’s likely to be a two-time captain, which is a rare feat in Columbus history.
Inniss is the type of player who wins championships. He’s tough, he’s selfless, and he’s finally in a position to be the focal point of the passing attack. 2026 is the year the world finally sees the "five-star" version of Brandon Inniss on the stat sheet that we've already been seeing on the game film.