Ohio State has long been a wide receiver powerhouse, producing elite talents like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr. With Brian Hartline leading the way as the team’s wide receivers coach and offensive coordinator, the Buckeyes have established themselves as the premier destination for top wideout recruits.
Entering the 2025 season, the Buckeyes once again have a stacked receiver room, filled with high-end talent and depth that few programs can match. While the group is already poised to be the best in the country, its ultimate ceiling could hinge on the development of Brandon Inniss—a dynamic playmaker with the potential to become Ohio State’s next superstar.
A Wide Receiver Room Overflowing with Talent
Even with Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka moving on to the NFL, Ohio State reloaded rather than rebuilt at the wide receiver position. The Buckeyes boast an unparalleled combination of experience and elite young talent, including:
- Carnell Tate (Sophomore) – A former five-star recruit who made an immediate impact as a freshman, showing flashes of stardom.
- Brandon Inniss (Sophomore) – A game-changing talent with a high football IQ, incredible hands, and the ability to take over games.
- Jeremiah Smith (Freshman) – The No. 1 receiver in the 2024 recruiting class, widely viewed as one of the most polished high school wideouts in recent memory.
- Myles Graham & Bryson Rodgers (Sophomores) – Depth pieces who provide additional firepower to Ohio State’s already loaded receiver corps.
- Jayden Ballard (Junior) – A speedster who brings a vertical threat to the Buckeyes’ passing attack.
With this much firepower, the Buckeyes are in position to have the most dominant receiving unit in college football. However, while players like Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith are likely to shine, the ultimate ceiling for Ohio State’s passing game may rest on how quickly Brandon Inniss develops into a superstar.
Brandon Inniss: The X-Factor for Ohio State’s Offense
While Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith have stolen many headlines, Brandon Inniss is just as important to Ohio State’s future. The former five-star recruit was a dominant high school player, known for his:
- Precise route running
- Elite hands
- High football IQ
- Big-game mentality
Inniss was limited in his opportunities as a freshman, but when given chances, he showed why he was one of the most highly sought-after recruits in the country. With Harrison and Egbuka gone, Inniss now has the chance to step into a significant role and elevate Ohio State’s already elite receiving corps.
Why Inniss’ Development is Key
The Buckeyes already have great weapons, but what separates good from elite is having multiple game-changing threats. If Inniss takes the next step, Ohio State won’t just have the best receiver room in the country—it could have one of the best in recent memory.
Inniss has all the tools to become a dominant slot receiver or even an outside playmaker, depending on how the Buckeyes use him. His ability to create separation and make plays in tight spaces gives Ohio State another dynamic option alongside Tate and Smith. If he breaks out in 2025, opposing defenses will have no way to stop this unit.
How the Buckeyes’ Offense Benefits
With so much talent at wide receiver, Ohio State’s offense is built for explosive plays. Whether it’s through deep shots, quick passes, or yards after the catch, the Buckeyes have matchup nightmares across the board.
A fully developed Inniss would give Ohio State:
- Another High-Level Playmaker – Defenses already have to worry about Tate and Smith. If Inniss demands extra attention, it opens up the offense even more.
- More Versatility – Inniss’ ability to play inside and outside makes the Buckeyes more unpredictable in how they attack defenses.
- NFL-Level Depth – With Inniss playing at a high level, Ohio State would have three first-round-caliber receivers on the field at all times.
With quarterback play remaining a question mark, having a dominant receiving corps will be crucial to Ohio State’s national championship aspirations.
Ohio State is Set to Have the Best WR Room Regardless
Even if Inniss doesn’t fully emerge as a star in 2025, Ohio State’s wide receiver unit will still be unmatched. Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith alone could make this the best WR room in college football, and with additional depth, the Buckeyes are stacked with playmakers at every spot.
However, if Inniss breaks out, Ohio State goes from elite to virtually unstoppable. His growth could determine whether this offense is simply great—or historically
Ohio State’s wide receiver pipeline remains the gold standard in college football, and the 2025 group is no exception. With Tate, Smith, and Inniss leading the way, the Buckeyes have the potential to redefine dominance at the position.
Brandon Inniss may be the biggest wild card, but if he lives up to his potential, Ohio State’s offense could become one of the most dangerous in program history. Buckeye fans should be excited—because no matter how things shake out, Ohio State’s wide receivers are poised to take over college football once again.