Brian Hartline reveals new leaders of Ohio State receiver room, and it's not who everyone thinks it should be
The Ohio State Buckeyes are simply reloading once again when it comes to their vaunted receiving room. After producing a string of high-end first-round talents to the NFL and losing Emeka Egbuka off their National Championship team, there's no shortage of stars in waiting. However, just because Jeremiah Smith is the biggest name in college […]
The Ohio State Buckeyes are simply reloading once again when it comes to their vaunted receiving room. After producing a string of high-end first-round talents to the NFL and losing Emeka Egbuka off their National Championship team, there's no shortage of stars in waiting.
However, just because Jeremiah Smith is the biggest name in college football who isn't named Arch Manning doesn't mean he's all-everything. Egbuka was the leader of the unit in 2024 and even well before then.
Ohio State receivers coach Brian Hartline was asked about who the leaders of the 2025 group are, and Smith was not on the tip of his tounge.
"I would say Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss have probably been the most outspoken in the room," he said. "Yeah, I would say that they're doing a good job. Those would be the two guys that jump out in my room."
Smith led the Big Ten with 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns, laying the path for a legendary career with the Buckeyes. He's already cemented himself as one of the most explosive playmakers in program history. But is it a concern he's not been named a leader?
No, I don't believe so for one second.
Instead of focusing on Smith not being named as a slight for the freak athlete and already a notably hard worker, this is more of a nod to the others. The reality is Hartline is trying to set Tate and Inniss up to be ready for an increase in their roles.
Tate finished 2024 with 52 receptions for 733 yards and four touchdowns as the team's third receiver. He was chased by other contenders willing to splurge to get him into the transfer portal, but Tate resisted.
Inniss is another lurking star despite catching only 14 passes for 176 yards and one score. He's battling with freshman Quincy Porter for playing time and priority within the offense.
One thing is for sure with this level of competition, and that's whoever lines up under center for the Buckeyes has an embarrassment of riches to utilize.
