The No. 1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes have faced a significant test of depth this November. With star wide receiver Carnell Tate sidelined for back-to-back games against Purdue and UCLA, and freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith limited by injury against the Bruins, the question wasn’t just if the Buckeyes would win, but who would catch the ball.
The answer came in the form of a hungry group of receivers who have waited for their moment. Brandon Inniss, Bryson Rodgers, Mylan Graham, and Quincy Porter have all seen increased snaps, proving that “Zone 6” remains the deepest receiver room in the country.
Head coach Ryan Day has often preached the “next man up” mentality, and against UCLA in a 48-10 rout, that philosophy was put into practice.
Brandon Inniss: The Heart and Soul
Perhaps no player has embraced a leadership role more than Brandon Inniss. With Tate out, Inniss has been a stabilizing force for quarterback Julian Sayin.
Against UCLA, Inniss recorded a career-high six receptions for 30 yards. While the yardage totals weren’t explosive, his impact was critical on possession downs. Ryan Day specifically highlighted Inniss’s value after the game, calling him a “captain” with a “big voice.”
“He’s a very competitive guy and sort of has the heart and soul that you want as a captain,” Day said. “He brings a lot of juice to the offense.”
Bryson Rodgers: Finding the End Zone
Sophomore Bryson Rodgers has steadily carved out a role for himself, but he found the spotlight against UCLA. Rodgers capped off a crucial 12-play drive in the second quarter by hauling in an 11-yard touchdown pass from Sayin, extending the Buckeyes’ lead to 17-0.
Rodgers finished the UCLA game with two catches for 27 yards, following a solid performance against Purdue where he added two catches for 30 yards. His ability to get open in the red zone has given the offense a vital weapon while opponents focus coverage elsewhere.
Mylan Graham: The Redshirt Freshman Spark
With Jeremiah Smith playing only the first half against UCLA, fellow freshman Mylan Graham saw his opportunity to shine. Graham has shown flashes of the elite route-running ability that made him a five-star recruit.
He recorded three catches for 40 yards against the Bruins, averaging a healthy 13.3 yards per reception. Graham also contributed against Purdue with a 20-yard reception, proving he can be a downfield threat when the offense needs to stretch the defense.
Quincy Porter: A Glimpse of the Future
Freshman Quincy Porter is beginning to make his presence felt. Standing at 6-foot-4, he offers a massive target radius that quarterbacks love.
Porter hauled in a 14-yard reception against UCLA, continuing to build confidence as he gets acclimated to the college game. While his volume has been lower than the others, his physical tools suggest he is ready to contribute in crucial moments as the Buckeyes push toward the postseason.
“The receiver room looked good tonight,” quarterback Julian Sayin said after the UCLA win. “Those younger guys really stepped up for us big… It was awesome to see their work paying off.”
