Ohio State's 2026 spring practices are just around the corner, and the Buckeyes are gearing up for an exciting season. After a two-month hiatus following their College Football Playoff quarterfinal loss to Miami, the team is ready to hit the field for 15 practices, starting next Tuesday, March 10. With aspirations of a national championship, the Buckeyes are facing the challenge of replacing over half of their scholarship roster from last season. Let's dive into the position-by-position changes and the key questions heading into spring practice.
Who's Back?
- Jeremiah Smith: The star receiver returns for his third year, having already established himself as a superstar with 163 catches, 2,558 yards, and 27 touchdowns in the past two seasons. Smith's top priority is staying healthy and fresh for the fall.
- Brandon Inniss: A starter and team captain from last season, Inniss is expected to remain the top slot receiver. However, he needs to improve his production after catching only 36 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns in 2025.
- David Adolph: The only other returning receiver with significant playing time last year, Adolph primarily served as a blocker but caught three passes for 31 yards.
- Phillip Bell and De'Zie Jones: Both redshirted as true freshmen last season and are now ready to compete for playing time in 2026.
Who's New?
- Devin McCuin: A transfer from UTSA with impressive stats (65 catches, 726 yards, eight touchdowns in 2025), McCuin is a speedster with the potential to be a dynamic weapon.
- Kyle Parker: Another transfer, Parker played for LSU in 2025 and has the advantage of familiarity with new receivers coach Cortez Hankton.
- Chris Henry Jr.: The top receiver in the 2026 recruiting class, Henry Jr. is a talented freshman with the potential to become a star.
- Brock Boyd, Jerquaden Guilford, and Jaeden Ricketts: Freshmen who will likely redshirt but are eager to make an early impact and prove their worth.
Who's Gone?
- Carnell Tate: Projected as a top-15 overall draft pick, Tate leaves a huge void in the starting lineup opposite Smith, with 51 catches, 875 yards, and nine touchdowns in just 11 games last season.
- Mylan Graham, Quincy Porter, Bryson Rodgers, Bodpegn Miller, and Damarion Witten: All transfers, they contributed to the team's depth but are no longer with the program.
The Big Question: Will a second star emerge alongside Smith?
For the past six years, Ohio State has had at least two superstars in its wide receiver room. However, it's unclear if they will have a second star to pair with Smith this spring. While Henry Jr. has the potential, he's a true freshman. Inniss, a former top-40 recruit, needs to make a significant leap as a senior. McCuin, a transfer from UTSA, brings speed but is a mid-major transfer. The battle to watch is between McCuin, Parker, Henry Jr., and Guilford, as they compete for the third starting receiver spot.
Battle to Watch: Devin McCuin vs. Kyle Parker vs. Chris Henry Jr. vs. Jerquaden Guilford
These four talented players will battle for the third starting receiver spot, with McCuin and Parker getting first-team reps initially. However, Henry Jr. and Guilford are talented enough to prove their worth quickly. The competition could extend to the slot receiver position, where Inniss is the favorite but faces challenges from McCuin and Parker.
Overall Pre-Spring Outlook
Ohio State's wide receiver room is strong, led by Jeremiah Smith. However, the team needs multiple receivers to emerge as playmaking weapons. Henry Jr. has the tools to be a first-round pick, and McCuin adds speed. Parker and Guilford are talented freshmen, while Inniss needs to take the next step. If a couple of these receivers have big springs and Inniss develops, Ohio State's receiving corps could be one of its biggest strengths again.
