In a season where Ohio State boasts arguably the most talented roster in the college football playoffs era, much of the attention has naturally been on the standout stars—future NFL draft picks who returned for another run at a national title.
But the Buckeyes’ No. 2 College Football Playoff ranking is not just a result of the starters’ brilliance; it’s also a testament to the depth and rotational players who are stepping up when their names are called. Ohio State’s recent win over Penn State was a prime example of how critical these unsung heroes can be, with several backups and rotational players making key contributions to seal the victory.
True sophomore wide receiver Brandon Inniss made one of the most electric plays of the game, catching a touchdown pass that wasn’t even repped much in practice. Inniss' catch ignited the sideline and provided a glimpse of his potential. Head coach Ryan Day praised his preparation and attitude despite limited opportunities.
"Brandon’s somebody who brings energy every day," Day said in his weekly press conference. "He caught that pass. I mean, the whole sideline was on fire because he just comes out and works every day. He’s not selfish. He’s not a guy who says, you know, ‘I need this many touches’ or ‘I need to get in the game and get this many plays.’ He just gets out there and works."
Day acknowledged that the play had been schemed for Emeka Egbuka, who took most of the reps in practice. For Inniss to execute it flawlessly showed his mental preparation.
"I don’t think got many reps of that play that week. Emeka got a bunch of those reps," Day continued. "So for him to put that on the field without physically doing it a bunch was a testament to his preparation in meetings and walkthroughs."
Inniss’s ability to shine without a full week of physical reps was a highlight of Ohio State’s ability to trust in its depth—a key theme for championship-level teams.
Kayden McDonald: A force at the goal line for the Ohio State football team
Another standout in the Penn State game was defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, whose crucial play on a late-game goal-line stand helped turn the tide in Ohio State’s favor. McDonald, known for his strength and ability to control the line of scrimmage, was a significant factor in the Buckeyes’ defensive success.
"He’s a guy that particularly when you put him in those situations where he’s just like head-up the center, and his job is to just knock that guy back, he’s showing he can change the game," defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said after the game.
Ryan Day echoed that sentiment, praising McDonald’s development and his ability to step up in a pivotal moment.
"K-Mac really stepped up for us. We’re hoping he can continue to give us more and more snaps," Day said. "He was in there for all those plays two weeks in a row. Big spot for him to step up in, so we’re going to continue to try to find ways to get him on the field."
McDonald’s ability to deliver in critical moments has earned him more playing time, and his emergence provides a massive boost to Ohio State’s defensive line depth.
Making his first start of the season, Carson Hinzman was named one of the offensive players of the game after a gutsy performance against a tough Penn State defense. On Ohio State’s final drive, the Buckeyes leaned on running plays behind Hinzman and new left tackle Donovan Jackson, a testament to the coaching staff’s confidence in the young lineman.
"Carson has toughness, Carson has athleticism, and Carson’s smart," Day said in his weekly press conference. "Having Seth and Donnie next to him allowed him to focus on his job and just play football."
Hinzman’s ability to rise to the occasion and solidify his spot on the line was crucial, especially with injuries forcing the Buckeyes to shuffle their offensive line.
Tight end Jelani Thurman’s 4th-down catch was another pivotal moment in the game. With Ohio State taking a risky gamble from midfield, quarterback Will Howard kept the play alive long enough to find Thurman, who was the last read in the progression. Despite bobbling the ball, Thurman secured the catch, converting a critical first down that nearly led to another touchdown.
"We didn’t think it would get all the way to Jelani." Day said after the game. "He was actually the last read in the progression... those guys made the play."
Day admitted the play was risky, but Thurman’s clutch catch showed why the coaching staff believes in his potential, even if he’s still finding his footing.
"Jelani has a tremendous amount of talent, and he’s growing every day," Day said. "Making a big play like that in a big spot does a lot for him."
The Ohio State football team has depth beyond its stars
While Inniss, McDonald, Hinzman, and Thurman were the most visible in the Penn State game, Ohio State’s depth has shined in other moments throughout the season. Players like defensive back Jermaine Mathews, edge rusher Kenyatta Jackson and Caden Curry, safety Jaylen McClain, and defensive back Lorenzo Styles have all made significant contributions.
Jermaine Mathews has shown flashes of his ability to cover elite receivers, while Kenyatta Jackson and Caden Curry are tied for third with the third-most pressures on the team, adding crucial depth to a defensive front that has been able to rotate effectively. Safety Jaylen McClain and defensive back Lorenzo Styles have played vital snaps in relief of injured starters, giving the Buckeyes confidence in their depth.
Ohio State’s depth isn’t just a luxury—it’s a key component of why the team remains a national title contender. The ability to rely on rotational players and backups to make game-changing plays is the hallmark of a championship-caliber team, and this season, the Buckeyes are proving they have that formula in place.
As the Buckeyes continue their push toward the College Football Playoff, the contributions of players like Brandon Inniss, Kayden McDonald, Carson Hinzman, and Jelani Thurman—along with a host of others—will be just as critical as the stars leading the charge. With the depth stepping up when called upon, Ohio State is in prime position to make a deep postseason run.