Jeremiah Smith has emerged as the centerpiece of Ohio State’s receiving corps, posting 163 catches for 2,558 yards and 27 touchdowns over his first two seasons while topping the Big Ten in receiving yards each year. His production sets a high bar for the program, yet the team still needs a clear No.2 option for the upcoming 2026 campaign.
A New Coach’s Influence
First‑year wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton arrived with a mission to replenish the depth chart. He brought in two transfers this offseason, Devin McCuin from the University of Texas at San Antonio and Kyle Parker from Louisiana State University, both hoping to add experience and size to the position.
McCuin, who compiled 152 catches for 1,696 yards and 16 touchdowns at UTSA, brings a strong track record but has struggled when facing Power Four opponents, raising questions about his readiness for Big Ten competition. Parker, a three‑year veteran at LSU with 34 catches for 385 yards and five touchdowns, offers a different skill set but will need to adapt quickly to Ohio State’s offensive tempo.
Internal Options and Freshman Promise
Brandon Inniss, a former five‑star recruit, has seen limited action with 51 catches for 505 yards and five touchdowns in three seasons, while David Adolph, a walk‑on who has appeared in 40 games with only four receptions for 41 yards, remains a long shot for a major role. Youngsters such as Phillip Bell and De’Zie Jones have yet to record a catch, leaving the coaching staff to look elsewhere for immediate impact.
The freshman group includes Chris Henry Jr., a former five‑star prospect with star potential, as well as Jerquaden Guilford, the No.6‑ranked wide receiver in the 2026 class, and Brock Boyd, who has shown promise in practice. Jaeden Ricketts also joins the mix, though he will likely need development before earning significant snaps.
Ohio State’s history of producing elite receivers adds pressure to the search. In the past seven seasons the program has delivered at least two future first‑round picks, including Carnell Tate, Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson and Austin Miller, all of whom have carved out successful NFL careers. The expectation is that the next wave will continue that tradition.
Looking Ahead
The Buckeyes’ coaching staff is evaluating each candidate’s fit within the offense, weighing size, route running and performance against top competition. While the final depth chart will not be clear until fall practice, the blend of established transfers, experienced upperclassmen and highly touted freshmen creates a competitive environment that could yield a reliable No.2 receiver by the start of the 2026 season.