Brandon Inniss is entering his final year at Ohio State with a new draft note already attached to his name, comparing him to last year’s AP Offensive Player of the Year. A strong 2026 season could put the senior wide receiver in first-round conversations.
The report came from Rookie Watch on Aug. 31, 2026. It said Inniss “could reportedly enter first-round conversations” if his final season is strong. It also said “one NFL scout” believes “comparisons to be made” with Seattle Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
“DEVELOPING: Brandon Inniss could reportedly enter “first-round conversations” with a strong final season at Ohio State,” Rookie Watch’s X post read on August 30. “One NFL scout reportedly believes there are “comparisons to be made” between Inniss and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seahawks WR).”
Inniss is listed at 6-foot, 199 pounds, and Smith-Njigba was listed at 6-foot, 197. Both have been slot-first receivers who can work underneath and run after the catch. Ohio State has used that role as a pipeline. Smith-Njigba held the slot job, and Emeka Egbuka later took it.
The Seattle Seahawks rewarded their star receiver with a four-year, $168.6 million extension in March 2026, making him the highest-paid wide receiver in league history.
Smith-Njigba’s first-round case was built on his brilliant 2021 season with 95 catches, 1,606 yards, and 9 touchdowns. He also set a Rose Bowl mark against Utah with 15 catches, 347 yards, and 3 touchdowns. His 2022 season was interrupted by a hamstring injury. In that season, he had just 5 receptions and 43 yards.
In comparison, Inniss’ best has only seen him produce 271 yards thus far. He was already draft-eligible after 2025, but he decided to return. NFL Draft Buzz listed him with a fifth-round grade in late August. They ranked him No. 137 overall and No. 20 among receivers. The Athletic’s July ranking had him 15th among 2027 receivers.
Inniss has been clear about the year ahead. “I’m focused this year. I got one year left, and Imma do everything I can to be a first-round pick.” He also set a public 1,000-yard goal. Coming back to Ohio State was a bet on himself. The anonymous first-round note only holds if 2026 production backs it up.
The role is also different now. Carnell Tate left as the No. 4 overall pick to Tennessee in 2026. That opens more targets next to Jeremiah Smith. New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is another change. Inniss has said he and quarterback Julian Sayin spent the summer looking for ways to get him the ball. Arthur Smith said Inniss “is going to be the guy” taking the leap.
Inniss can use the extra targets and still has to turn them into the kind of tape that moves a fifth-round grade.
What Brandon Inniss still has to prove
In the 2025 season, he finished with 36 receptions, 271 yards, a 7.5-yard average, and 3 touchdowns. Some of his better games included 6 catches against UCLA, 41 yards against Penn State, and 4 catches against Miami in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal.
There are still some NFL traits on the tape. As a freshman, he turned a slot fade against Purdue into a 58-yard touchdown. His high school 247Sports evaluation compared him to Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Leadership is part of the case as well. Inniss will wear the 2026 Block O jersey, voted on by coaches and staff. Ryan Day said it was “a pretty strong vote” based on how Inniss shows up, his work ethic, his leadership, and the clutch plays Ohio State will need again.
In the official release, Day called him “the right choice” and said the honor “represents much more than what a player does on the field.” Inniss is a two-time captain, a 2026 Iron Buckeye, and a Paul Hornung Award watch-list player.
Ohio State has already sent a line of first-round receivers to the NFL. That list includes Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Smith-Njigba, Marvin Harrison Jr., Egbuka, and Tate. Inniss is trying to join the same list.
Ohio State opens against Ball State on Sept. 5 at Ohio Stadium. Week 2 is a bit tougher at Texas on Sept. 12. Inniss had only 2 catches for 8 yards against Texas last year.