Ohio State Buckeyes offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has near-universal confidence in his ability to elevate the play-calling after a shaky end to the 2025 season offensively. What he does not have confidence in is turning the entire receiving corps into contributors.
Land-Grant Holy Land's Alex Frank worries that only three receivers, Jeremiah Smith, Brandon Inniss, and 5-star freshman Chris Henry Jr. will be relevant in the room this fall. In fact, Frank shared a prediction that would potentially spell very bad news for the Buckeyes: a receiver might not even be No. 2 in receiving behind Smith.
"Innis and Henry are really the only other two notable wide receivers on the roster (besides Smith). With tight end, there’s Nate Roberts, Bennett Christian, and Mason Williams. Somebody could emerge as a legitimate pass-catching option from there. Heck, a running back could be Ohio State’s second-leading receiver in 2026," Frank wrote. "But that is a concern for the Buckeyes going into this season."
Bo Jackson, for reference, had 200 receiving yards last year. He also had less competition in the RB room than he'll have in 2026. Isaiah West, Jakobi Jackson, Favour Akih, and Anthony "Turbo" Rogers will all be competing for snaps this year.
If an RB is No. 2 in receiving, the Ohio State University will have serious issues this season. Unless that "running back" is someone who won't be confined to one position.
Legend Bey emerging is the only acceptable RB as No. 2 receiver
Now, if Frank's prediction is true, but the RB in question is freshman sensation Legend Bey, then most Buckeye fans would probably be ecstatic. Then, there wouldn't be much of a problem with the offense at all.
Bey is expected to be a factor in the return game, should also see time at receiver, and is certain to be a regular member in the backfield. Smith will likely use him in a steady diet of reverse play-calls. Smith would do well to scheme as many trick plays around his talents as possible.
Bey is singularly a game-changer. Fully unleashed, Bey might be able to help at three different positions.
Bey is the future of the program. If he emerges early as a true freshman, few in the Buckeye State would object.
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