Inniss selected for Ohio State’s Block O jersey for 2026 season
The returning team captain becomes the first offensive player to receive the distinction since 2023, with head coach Ryan Day citing his character and accountability.
Ohio State wide receiver Brandon Inniss has been named the recipient of the program’s prestigious Block O honour for the 2026 season. The announcement, made on 22 August following the conclusion of preseason training camp, marks a significant shift in the selection criteria, as Inniss is the first offensive player to wear the jersey since 2023.
Inniss, who served as one of the Buckeyes’ two returning team captains, has been recognised for his leadership since arriving at the university in 2023. His selection follows a period where the honour was held by defensive players, specifically linebackers Sonny Styles and Cody Simon in the most recent seasons.
Head coach Ryan Day described Inniss as the “right choice” in a statement released by the school. Day emphasised that the award represents more than on-field performance, noting that it reflects toughness, accountability, and character. “Brandon has earned the respect of everyone in our building through the way he works, prepares and serves his teammates,” Day said.
On the field, Inniss started in the slot as a junior last season. He finished the campaign with 36 receptions for 271 yards and three touchdowns, while also contributing as a punt returner. His statistical output and dual role on special teams underscore the versatility that contributed to his selection.
The Block O tradition was established in 2020 to honour the legacy of Bill Willis, a two-time All-American defensive end at Ohio State in 1943 and 1944. Willis later became a pioneer in the NFL as the league’s first Black starter. The first recipient of the honour was defensive end Jonathon Cooper in 2020.
Subsequent recipients have included offensive lineman Thayer Munford in 2021 and wide receivers Kamryn Babb and Xavier Johnson in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Inniss’s selection continues this lineage of recognising players who exemplify the program’s core values.
