Ohio State Names Seven Captains for 2026 Football Season

The program selection marks just the seventh time in Ohio State history that at least seven players have earned captain status for a single campaign, a milestone matching the 2020 squad. The announcement arrives less than two weeks before the team opens its season against Ball State at Ohio Stadium on September 5.

Leadership Continuity and Returning Production on the Field

The 2026 roster features a mix of multi-year leaders and rising contributors stepping into prominent leadership roles. Wide receiver Brandon Inniss and offensive lineman Austin Siereveld return as captains for their second time. Both players previously served as captains during the last season alongside Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs, who have since advanced to the National Football League.

Austin Siereveld enters his second season as a starter on the offensive line. After contributing to the 2024 College Football Playoff run to the national championship, Siereveld emerged as the starting left tackle for the 2025 season. He could go into the 2026 season as the left tackle again, or he could slide to right guard, depending on which linemen step up and show they are ready to play.

Offensive Firepower and Rising Voices in the Locker Room

Quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith provide significant continuity for the Ohio State offense. Sayin finished his first year as a starter with a 77.0 completion percentage, tallying 3,610 passing yards and 32 touchdowns against eight interceptions. Teammates noted during preseason availability that Sayin has expanded his vocal leadership within the locker room heading into his junior year.

Jeremiah Smith enters his third season as a starter, chasing program and Big Ten records. Smith accumulated 163 receptions for 2,558 yards and 27 touchdowns. While previously recognized for leading by example through how hard he works at his craft, Smith has assumed a more vocal presence over the offseason.

Defensive Anchors and New Starters Earning Recognition

Defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and safety Jaylen McClain anchor the defensive unit as two of only three returning defensive starters, alongside cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. Jackson opted to return for his fifth season with the Buckeyes rather than enter the NFL draft following a 2025 campaign where he recorded 28 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and two pass breakups.

Jaylen McClain solidified his role in the defensive secondary during fall camp last year, producing 53 tackles and three passes broken up. Linebacker Payton Pierce rounds out the captain selections, transitioning into a starting role after playing in all 14 games and recording 43 tackles as the third linebacker behind Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles during the 2025 season. Pierce stated during fall camp that earning captain honors fulfills a primary goal established during his freshman year.

The Buckeyes host Ball State on September 5, giving the newly appointed leadership group an immediate test in front of a home crowd at Ohio Stadium.