Ohio State Names 7 Captains And A Block O Wearer, Plus Some Training Camp Observations
Ohio State has named seven captains for the 2026 football season, plus the team has named someone to wear the prized ‘Block 0’ Jersey. Though there were not many surprises, seven captains is a lot. The honored players were photographed with Ryan Day at the 50-yard line of Ohio Stadium.
This article will also wrap up Ohio State’s training camp. Who had a great camp and will play more than expected? The answers may be surprising. Players on both sides of the ball could be answers. The team will practice this week and enter game-prep mode the week after next. Do you think the Buckeyes are ready for the season?
Ohio State Names Captains for the 2026 Football Season
Ohio State will have a boatload of captains, seven, for the 2026 college football season. Brandon Inniss, Austin Siereveld, Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith, Jaylen McClain, Payton Pierce and Kenyatta Jackson Jr. have all been named captains for the 2026 season. These players represent both the offense and the defense and include players expected to have a big season.
Inness and Smith are both wide receivers. Sieveld is an offensive lineman. Sayin is the starting quarterback. His leadership has been criticized, so naming him captain is a big deal. Jaylin McClain (the safety who has to replace Caleb Downs) and Payton Peirce (a linebacker) are both expected to have a great year. The seventh captain will beKenyatta Jackson Jr., a hulking defensive lineman.
You can expect these captains to walk out on the field for the coin toss before the game. With so many players approaching midfield for the coin toss, Ohio State might intimidate its opponents before the game begins. Smith, Sayin, and McClain were the Buckeye players’ representatives at Big Ten Media Days, so it was not a surprise that they were named captains.
Block O Honoree
Wide Receiver Brandon Inness will wear the number 0 for Ohio State in the 2026 season. The Block O jersey is given to the player who best represents the program. Wearing it is a big honor. Inness wearing the Block O jersey is a tribute to his leadership in the program.
It speaks volumes that he was honored, despite being just fifth in catches last season. He is also slated, right now, to be the third wide receiver for the Buckeyes, behind Jeremiah Smith and newcomer Devin McCuin. Inness is supposed to return both punts and kickoffs, so there will be plenty of opportunities for him to excel.
Training Camp Pleasant Surprises
Who has had a great training camp and should play more than expected for Ohio State this season? On the offensive side of the ball, wide receiver Brock Boyd has had a great camp. He is solidly in the five-receiver rotation for the Buckeyes. Running back Jack’obi Jackson is a transfer from the University of Florida.
He is stout, at 5-foot-11 and 217 pounds. He is expected to get the lion’s share of the short-yardage and goal-line situations. On the latter, expect to see Sayin run more, as that has been criticized as well. Freshman Legend Bey will also get some touches.
Another freshman, Jay Timmons, is likely to be the starting nickleback for the Ohio State defense. Other names to watch on the defensive side of the ball are linebacker Riley Pettijohn. Cornerback Cam Calhoun could play more than expected. His emergence strengthens a thin position for the Buckeyes. He teams with Georgia Tech transfer cornerback Don Kelly there. Also, Kahry Wilder may be in the defensive line rotation.
Conclusion
Ohio State is expected to be strong, and naming this leadership will help. The coaching staff views naming these positions as great honors, essentially a way to propagate their leadership throughout the team. That is why this is important. Some players are also listed who could play more than expected this season.
