The Ohio State football team is firmly engrossed in spring practice. This is the time when championships are won. The development that goes on right now shows up late in the season, especially during the College Football Playoff. That's part of the resason why the Buckeyes won it all in 2024.
During the offseason, the Ohio State Buckeyes were hitting the weight room so they won't be pushed around as they did against Indiana and Miami at the end of last year. Every year, the best in the weight room are named as Iron Buckeyes, which are the players who improved the most in the offseason.
This year, there are four guys who earned those honors. Two of them were on offense, and two of them were on defense. Surprisingly, both of the Iron Buckeyes on offense were wide receivers, which continues to be the strength of Ohio State on that side of the ball.
Ohio State names four Iron Buckeyes from offseason workouts
Jeremiah Smith was one of the Iron Buckeyes. At the end of the 2025 season, he put everyone on notice that he was going to be different this season. Based on his work in the weight room, Smith is doing everything he can to end his collegiate career with another championship.
Brandon Inniss was also named an Iron Buckeye. He was named a team captain last season, and there's a good chance he earns the Block O jersey this year. He will almost certainly be a captain again in 2026. Inniss will also be a starter on the outside for the first time.
Defensively, Jaylen McClain was one of the Iron Buckeyes. He was in a fight last year for a starting safety spot that he ultimately won. Now, he wants to keep that starting spot heading into the 2026 season.
The final one was Garrett Stover. Stover has a golden opportunity in front of him this spring. With both Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles gone in the NFL, there are two open spots at linebacker. This is the best chance for Stover to see some playing time, and he can fight for a starting slot.
All of these Buckeyes are going to be important to the success of Ohio State next season. The Buckeyes are one of the most talented teams in the country, and they should be considered one of the favorites to win it all.