COLUMBUS, Ohio — Brandon Inniss has earned another distinction as he enters the 2026 season at Ohio State.
Head coach Ryan Day announced Saturday that Inniss has been selected as the Buckeyes’ 2026 Block “O” recipient, an honor voted on annually by members of the Ohio State football program.
The Block “O” was established in honor of Ohio State legend Bill Willis and represents the qualities Willis embodied throughout his career: toughness, accountability and the highest level of character.
Inniss becomes the seventh Buckeye to receive the honor and the third wide receiver, joining Kamryn Babb, who received it in 2022, and Xavier Johnson, who was selected in 2023.
“Brandon is the right choice to wear the Block ‘O’ this season,” Day said. “It is an honor that represents much more than what a player does on the field. It represents toughness, accountability, and character, and Brandon has earned the respect of everyone in our building through the way he works, prepares and serves his teammates.”
The honor continues what has become an increasingly prominent leadership role for Inniss within the Ohio State program.
Inniss was a captain for the Buckeyes in 2025 and will serve as a captain again in 2026. He is coming off the most productive season of his Ohio State career, recording 35 receptions for 271 yards and three touchdowns.
He also contributed in the return game, recording five kickoff returns for 66 yards and 17 punt returns for 181 yards. His work on special teams earned him All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition.
Inniss’ contributions have extended beyond the field as well. He was named a CSC Academic All-District selection, earned Academic All-Big Ten honors and was recognized as an Ohio State Scholar-Athlete.
His versatility also has drawn national attention heading into the 2026 season. Inniss was named to the watch list for the Paul Hornung Award, which is presented annually to the most versatile player in college football.
For Day, however, Inniss’ value to the Buckeyes goes beyond his production.
“He is now a two-time captain who understands what it means to wear the Scarlet and Gray and the responsibility that comes with this program,” Day said. “Brandon continues to grow as a leader, and he will represent the legacy of Bill Willis and everything the Block ‘O’ stands for the right way.”
The award is rooted in the legacy of Willis, whose Ohio State career spanned from 1942-44. The defensive end was an All-American and national champion with the Buckeyes before going on to break the NFL’s color barrier as a member of the Cleveland Browns.
Willis was later inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and College Football Hall of Fame. His No. 99 is retired at Ohio State.
Because Willis’ number is retired, the recipient of the Block “O” wears No. 0 for the season.
Inniss now joins a group of Buckeyes who have been selected for the honor since its inception: Jonathon Cooper (2020), Thayer Munford (2021), Kamryn Babb (2022), Xavier Johnson (2023), Cody Simon (2024) and Sonny Styles (2025).
As Ohio State prepares for the 2026 season, Inniss will enter the year carrying both the distinction of being a two-time captain and the responsibility that comes with wearing the Block “O.”
