by Heading into 2026, one of the biggest questions surrounding Ohio State’s offense is who will emerge as the WR2 opposite superstar receiver Jeremiah Smith.
With several talented options in the mix and one of the most wide-open competitions this receiver room has seen in years, fall camp and the buildup to Week 1 should provide one of the Buckeyes’ most intriguing storylines.
Brandon Inniss
Brandon Inniss brings the most experience and familiarity of anyone in the room. The senior was voted a team captain last season and finished the year with 36 receptions for 271 yards and three touchdowns while serving as Ohio State’s WR3. He has also built a reputation as a reliable blocker in the run game, something that should be especially valuable in new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s offense.
Heading into fall camp, Inniss appears to be the early favorite to step into the WR2 role. He offers the safest and most proven option, although new wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton could decide to lean toward a receiver with a higher ceiling.
Chris Henry Jr.
Chris Henry Jr. is easily the most intriguing option in the mix. The true freshman is expected to see the field immediately after arriving in Columbus as a five-star prospect and the No. 1 receiver in the 2026 recruiting class according to multiple outlets.
Henry Jr. turned heads during Ohio State’s spring game, finishing with four catches for 96 yards and a touchdown. The biggest question is how quickly head coach Ryan Day will trust him in a major role. Starting a true freshman at receiver in Week 1 is not something many top programs are willing to do.
That said, Day has shown he is willing to play his best players regardless of age. Jeremiah Smith earned a starting role from the opening game of his freshman season, and his emergence became a key part of Ohio State’s national championship run.
Kyle Parker
Kyle Parker transferred to Ohio State alongside wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton, giving him a level of familiarity with Hankton’s system that no one else in the room can match. During his sophomore season at LSU, Parker recorded 31 receptions for 330 yards and four touchdowns.
Parker adds versatility to Ohio State’s receiver room with the ability to line up both on the outside and in the slot. Known for his polished route running and reliable hands, he has the skill set to become a steady option for quarterback Julian Sayin and this Buckeyes’ offense.
Devin McCuin
Devin McCuin is another transfer expected to add experience and explosiveness to Ohio State’s receiver room. During his junior season at UTSA, he hauled in 65 receptions for 726 yards and eight touchdowns. He was also a consistently productive player throughout his career at UTSA, recording at least 420 receiving yards in each of his three seasons with the program.
McCuin’s speed gives the Buckeyes another legitimate deep-threat option. With a sub-4.40 40-yard dash time and a long reception of 52 yards last season, McCuin can stretch opposing defenses for this Ohio State offense.
