3 Ohio State Buckeyes who are entering crucial seasons in 2026 for their football playing careers
It is make or break time for these three Buckeyes in 2026.
The Ohio State Buckeyes saw major roster turnover following the 2025 college football season. Ohio State had north of 30 players exit the team via the transfer portal, while it added about half that number.
Ohio State has high expectations as ever in 2026 even with perhaps the toughest schedule in college football. The Buckeyes return Julian Sayin for year No. 2 and Jeremiah Smith for his third likely final season in college.
On this Tuesday morning, I want to highlight three players who are entering make-or-break seasons for the Buckeyes in 2026.
WR Brandon Inniss
The slot position has typically been very productive for Ohio State but that wasn’t the case in 2025. Inniss was the starting slot for the Buckeyes and recorded 271 receiving yards and three touchdowns, both career highs. Inniss doesn’t have to be Emeka Egbuka or Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but the Buckeyes need more in 2026!!
Ohio State has Carnell Tate to the NFL and Inniss joins Jeremiah Smith as the only returning pass catcher for the Buckeyes. Inniss is a team captain and his senior season has to be much bigger if he wants a shot at a pro career.
EDGE Beau Atkinson
Ohio State landed Atkinson in the spring portal a year ago after being a standout pass rusher at North Carolina. The acclimation to Ohio State didn’t go quite as planned, and Atkinson had just one sack last season, along with 11 tackles.
With Caden Curry gone and some depth transferring away, Ohio State needs Atkinson to at least be a part of the rotation in 2026. The North Carolina transfer will be in his final season of eligibility in the fall.
DT Eddrick Houston
The Buckeyes have once again lost the majority of their defensive line including star DT Kayden McDonald. If Eddrick Houston is ever going to make that jump in Columbus, it’ll come during the 2026 season. The former five-star recruit is entering a pivotal junior season after being a key rotational player in 2025.
Houston had 21 tackles, four tackles for a loss, and three sacks in 2025. The Georgia native started as an EDGE in Columbus but worked his way inside. 2025 is a year where the Buckeyes need him to be the guy in the middle of the defense.
Ohio State Buckeyes News
Ohio State football has taken a step toward landing another player they need for the future of the program
Ohio State is in the mix to land another key piece along its offensive line for 2027.
