As Fall Camp continues, certain position group battles are becoming clearer for Ohio State. Here’s the latest on how three rooms are shaking out.
Ohio State football is one of the most competitive environments in the country, if not the most. This ideal has been passed down for generations. From the days of Woody Hayes hammering “apathy” out of his players’ mindset, the standard was set.
This year is no different for Ryan Day. Coming off a disappointing end to 2025, he and his staff assembled a roster with as much depth as any team he has ever had. However, that came with the challenge of meticulous evaluation in the spring and fall. Ohio State has an experienced staff, coordinated by Matt Patricia and Arthur Smith, so the Buckeyes are in good hands.
Running Back
With a rocket-like ascension since last season, Isaiah West has worked himself into being a legitimate contender in the running back room. His added size and newfound health have been key factors in doing so, along with the impact he’s had in the pass game.
Bo Jackson comes back with some added muscle of his own and was the leading rusher in 2025 with 1,090 yards at 6.1 YPC. Having already proven his effectiveness with his experience last season, Bo came in as the obvious favorite to assume the RB1 role.
Coach Day has been clear about his expectations for this unit. He wants to see someone leap to an elite level. Somebody who could “take over games.” With the emergence of Legend Bey this past spring and the aforementioned Isaiah West, an interesting dynamic has started to unfold at the Woody.
All three backs have now clearly shown the potential of being the elite back Coach Day has been looking for. Seeing how he and his staff will handle this unit will be fun to watch.
Wide Receiver
Devin McCuin has been a hot topic of late based on his week one performance at camp. It is early, but McCuin made enough of an impression that talk of him becoming the No. 2 receiver has ramped up. Devin and fellow transfer Kyle Parker will have plenty of opportunities to improve their chances.
Devin McCuin put on a show in day two of fall camp
The transfer WR made a handful of catches today capped off by an acrobatic, over the shoulder grab for a touchdown
Worth noting: The pass was a dot delivered by Julian Sayin 🎯
— Grant Kincaid (@GKincaid8) August 7, 2026
Now, there is also a consensus that Inniss will be second in line to Jeremiah Smith as it stands. There has been chatter online about Inniss perhaps slipping to the No. 3 spot, but for now that’s speculation. Although he hasn’t inherently stood out so far in camp, he still has ample experience and built-in trust with QB Julian Sayin.
As for other candidates to make a push for serious playing time, Chris Henry Jr sits squarely in the mix. The freshman sensation displays advanced ball skills coupled with an impressive 6-foot-5, 211-lb frame. After witnessing Jeremiah Smith terrorize secondaries in his first year, there is no reason to believe CHJ couldn’t do the same.
Cornerback
Except for Devin Sanchez, Ohio State has an open competition for spots on the boundary. Jermaine Matthews should reassume the slot role, but with the talent pushing in from the outside, anything is possible.
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A freshman rising star, Jay Timmons, who shed his black stripe this week, has been a hot topic amongst coaches and players since he set foot on campus. The Pittsburgh native was first brought to attention when Jeremiah Smith clamored on about Timmons being a guy to look out for back in the spring. Jay has picked up where he left off, continues to be held in high regard by his peers, and is a standout on the field.
Georgia transfer Dominick Kelly has also been mentioned by staff and players. Kelly’s experience, reps with the first team, and raw athletic ability give him a realistic shot at starting opposite of Devin Sanchez. Cam Calhoun, as it stands, projects to serve as a depth piece for the Buckeyes.
With 51 new faces, Coach Day and his staff will have their work cut out for them over the next few weeks when it comes to nailing down a depth chart. The standard remains the same as it has for generations before him. Managing a task like this. along with expectations that are higher than ever, will be a must-watch storyline as OSU also embarks on arguably the touchiest schedule in program history.
Join us at DICK’s House of Sport in Polaris, OH, on Saturday, August 29, from 12-3 pm for a Tailgate Takeover to kick off football season! TSB LIVE returns for an on-site show with special guests previewing Ohio State’s 2026 season. You do not want to miss this event! Register here
NEXT: Read Julian Sayin and Bryce Underwood Offer Contrasting Takes on ‘The Game’
Grant Kincaid was born in Columbus, Ohio, and raised in Dayton. He serves as Creative Director and basketball contributor at The Silver Bulletin. At one point, Grant, a collegiate baseball player, also holds a B.A. in Management and Leadership Studies. Aside from the Buckeyes, he is an avid supporter of both the Cincinnati Reds and Bengals. His favorite Buckeyes include Braxton Miller, AJ Hawk, and Ted Ginn Jr.