Ohio State names its 'Block O' recipient for 2026 | Buckeyes Wire

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The 'Block O' recipient has become a pretty cool tradition at Ohio State. It started when teams were permitted to wear the number "0" back in 2020. OSU used it as a chance to pay homage to former Ohio State star and Hall of Famer Bill Willis, who was instrumental in breaking the color barrier in the NFL. Willis "stood for toughness, accountability, and the highest character — values the current Buckeyes strive to demonstrate every day," according to a release from Ohio State.

Jonathan Cooper was the first to wear it, and it's a big deal when a player is selected to be the representative of the "Block O" for the season. For this year, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day announced on Saturday that the recipient for this year will be wide receiver Brandon Inniss.

“Brandon is the right choice to wear the Block ‘O’ this season," head coach Ryan Day said in a release. "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. 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. 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.” 

Inniss is entering his senior season and is a returning captain who was also announced as a captain for 2026 on Saturday. He had his best season in 2025 with 35 receptions for 271 yards and three touchdowns. He also returned five kicks for 55 yards and 17 punts for 181 yards. He is on the preseason watch list for the Paul Hornung Award, which is handed out annually to the most versatile player in college football.

Inniss is the third wide receiver to receive the honor of the "Block O," joining Kamryn Babb (2022) and Xavier Johnson (2023).

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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State names its 'Block O' recipient for 2026 | Buckeyes Wire

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