Ohio State names captains for 2026 football season | Buckeyes Wire

Ohio State names captains for 2026 football season | Buckeyes Wire

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Ohio State names captains for 2026 football season | Buckeyes Wire

With just two weeks from the start of the Ohio State football season, head coach Ryan Day has announced the captains for 2026. Captains are voted on directly by the players, so it makes the honor even more special to be recognized by your peers as someone they see as a leader both on and off the field.

There will be seven captains this year. It is only the seventh time in school history that there have been seven captains. All are returning players, including two captains from last year.

"They understand our culture and what it means to carry our culture forward," Day said. "Our culture is built on tough love and fight, and these men embody that every day. They helped bring this team, which includes 51 new players from a year ago, together, challenged their teammates, and built accountability across the roster. Being a captain is about responsibility, and these seven understand what it means to wear the Scarlet and Gray and leave the jersey better than they found it."

Let's meet your 2026 Ohio State captains.

Payton Pierce – Linebacker

Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Payton Pierce (26) motions during the NCAA football game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Oct. 4, 2025.

Playing behind two first-round draft picks, Payton Pierce had limited opportunity in his sophomore campaign. However, the Texas native made the most of those opportunities on the field, totaling 44 tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one interception. He is expected to be a starter this season and pick up right where his predecessors left off.

Jaylen McClain – Safety

Ohio State Buckeyes safety Jaylen McClain (18) hits Ohio Bobcats quarterback Nick Poulos (8) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025. Ohio State won 37-9.

Jaylen McClain will have big shoes to fill. After learning alongside All-American Caleb Downs, McClain will have big shoes to fill as he steps into the void left by the NFL first-round draft pick. McClain tallied 53 tackles last season along with three pass deflections.

Julian Sayin – Quarterback

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) throws during the NCAA football game against the UCLA Bruins at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 15, 2025.

Julian Sayin is coming off a record-setting year at Ohio State in just his first year as a starter. He has all the weapons a quarterback could ask for at the collegiate level, and with a full year under his belt, could be even better. Coaches and teammates alike have said they've noticed a difference in Sayin this year. He's added muscle to his frame and has become a vocal leader on the team.

Kenyatta Jackson – Defensive End

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (97) tackles Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) during the NCAA football game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025.

Kenyatta Jackson enters his senior year with all the tools to have a breakout year. Standing at 6-foot-6 and 265 pounds, the physical attributes are there; now he just has to put it all together on the field. In his first year as a starter, Jackson totaled 28 tackles, with 6.5 sacks.

Brandon Inniss – Wide Receiver

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Brandon Inniss (1) celebrates a touchdown during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025.

There are some who feel that Brandon Inniss has not lived up to his five-star billing. However, he's also been largely overshadowed by the likes of Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith. While Inniss doesn't have the stats of some of the other OSU great receivers, he always seems to be in the right place at the right time when a big catch is needed. Inniss joins an exclusive list of two-time captains.

Jeremiah Smith – Wide Receiver

Sep 27, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) runs for a touchdown after catching a pass against the Washington Huskies during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Jeremiah Smith is the best player in college football. Barring injury, he'll own many of the receiving records at Ohio State after just three seasons. He has led by example in his first two seasons, and now he'll lead with his voice as well. Smith has the ability to carry the Buckeyes all the way to another national championship.

Austin Siereveld – Offensive Lineman

Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Austin Siereveld (67) celebrates following the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.

Austin Siereveld is another two-time captain. Siereveld starred on the offensive line with the Buckeyes last season, earning himself second-team All-Big Ten honors. He is the first two-time captain on the offensive line since Billy Price in 2017.

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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State names captains for 2026 football season | Buckeyes Wire

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