Three Things Ohio State’s Brandon Inniss Needs To Do To Become First-Round Draft Pick

The Ohio State Buckeyes are widely debated as “Wide Receiver University,” mainly due to their track record of producing some of the NFL’s best receiving threats.

That statement continues to stand true each year that a Buckeye receiver is drafted, including this year with the high praise for expected first-round pick Carnell Tate in this month’s NFL Draft.

With Tate set to join one lucky NFL franchise, that leaves two Buckeyes returning for the 2026 season in hopes of building their own draft stock: Jeremiah Smith and Brandon Inniss.

Smith is already expected to be a top draft pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, so that leaves the question as to where Brandon Inniss will be selected if he also winds up in next year’s draft class.

Inniss has plenty of work to do to reach the NFL Draft, so here are three things he can do to become a first-round pick.

Increase His Production

It’s been difficult for Inniss to build significant production when he’s been behind a list of Ohio State receivers over the last few seasons, but now he has that chance.

In his first two seasons, Inniss totaled 234 yards on 15 receptions with two touchdowns—modest production by Ohio State standards. But again, he’s been the third- or fourth option behind receivers that were much more relied on by their quarterbacks.

Having quarterback Julian Sayin will translate to more production for Inniss due to Sayin’s rising skill set and Inniss having a bigger presence in their offense. In 2025, Inniss posted better numbers with 271 receiving yards on 36 receptions and three touchdowns.

Still not a stat line seen out of first-round wide receivers, but a significant jump in yardage, receptions, and touchdown totals should help him climb draft boards.

Add More Explosiveness

Inniss commented on why he views himself as more of a slot receiver on Ohio State’s offense, stating, “I can do everything, I can run every route, I’m quick, I’ve got great hands.”

Two things that slot receivers must possess if they hope to succeed at the position: toughness and explosiveness.

Inniss would be a great slot receiver based on his high catch percentage and reliability, but he’ll need to prove he can break away from opposing inside coverage by linebackers and safeties.

First-round receivers are expected to have quick separation with the ability to burn defenses after the catch. Inniss has a reported 40-yard dash time in the 4.38-4.40 range, which is more than reasonable for a top receiver prospect, but he’ll need to show that speed regularly in 2026.

Showcase His Reliability On Offense

Fellow receiver Jeremiah Smith shared promising words for Brandon Inniss ahead of the 2026 season, detailing how Inniss will be the guy to see a jump in production. If he wants to be that guy for Ohio State, he’ll need to show he can be trusted.

With Julian Sayin entering another big year for the Buckeyes, he’ll need his receivers to show up each and every game ready to play. With Inniss set to be their No. 2 option, him being a reliable pass catcher across the middle would be beneficial under their new offensive coordinator.

Freshman phenom Chris Henry Jr. is expected to be a factor on offense, which also plays into Inniss’s expectation of reliability as a veteran presence.

Top receivers show they can be trusted with catching everything and not wasting any offensive reps, which will go a long way for the development of their next man up.

Inniss has been a factor in the return game for Ohio State as well, which could prove his versatility even further. Whether it’s on the perimeter, in the slot, or returning kickoffs and punts, earning the trust of the team will translate to how his draft stock rises as a hopeful future first-round pick.