Ohio State Junior Receiver Spotlighted as Buckeyes' Likely 2025 Breakout Player

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated Feb 18, 2025 12:14 PM ET

The Ohio State Buckeyes won the 2025 national championship and now must replace several key stars including Emeka Egbuka, who finished his OSU career as the team's all-time leading receiver with 2,868 career yards.

Coach Ryan Day's team will turn to former receivers coach Brian Hartline as its new offensive coordinator to replace Chip Kelly, inspiring hope for an improved passing game performance.

Hartline will have plenty to work with at the receiver position, with rising superstar Jeremiah Smith expected to return alongside Carnell Tate, who has flown under the radar as one of the best third receivers in college football.

One Buckeyes star who could take a big leap forward in 2025 is Brandon Inniss, who is entering his third year with Ohio State.

Inniss flashed his potential with a catch for 19 years in the national championship game and is a former four-star prospect from Miami Gardens, Florida who was spotlighted as a potential leader of the Buckeyes' receiver group this past fall.

"I think he will be a big time breakout player for Ohio State next season," wrote Max Chadwick of Pro Football Focus about Inniss.

"Brandon Inniss is next up at Ohio State," PFF wrote on its X account with a "stock up" graphic.

The Buckeyes will open their national championship defense campaign against the Texas Longhorns on Aug. 30 in Columbus, Ohio under returning coach Ryan Day.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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