Ohio State Football Names Four Iron Buckeyes

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Ohio State football has named four players as Iron Buckeyes for their standout performances in winter and summer workouts. The honorees include wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Brandon Inniss, safety Jaylen McClain, and linebacker Garrett Stover. Smith, a rising junior, has been named an Iron Buckeye each time the title has been awarded since joining the team in 2024. Inniss is one of two returning team captains, while McClain is a rising junior starter on defense. Stover, the cousin of former OSU tight end Cade Stover, has played limited snaps but earned the recognition for his offseason efforts.

Why it matters

The Iron Buckeye designation is a prestigious honor at Ohio State, recognizing the players who have put in the most exceptional work in the team's offseason training programs. These players are expected to be key contributors and leaders for the Buckeyes in the upcoming season as the team looks to replace several starters on both offense and defense.

The details

Ohio State names Iron Buckeyes twice a year, with players getting acknowledged for their participation in winter and summer workouts. Jeremiah Smith, a five-star recruit in 2024, has been named an Iron Buckeye each time the title has been handed out since arriving on campus. He's entering his junior season with 2,558 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns. Brandon Inniss is one of two returning team captains and caught 36 passes for 271 yards and three scores last year. Garrett Stover, the cousin of former OSU tight end Cade Stover, has only played 24 defensive snaps in two seasons but earned the recognition. Jaylen McClain is a rising junior starter at safety who recorded 53 tackles in 2025.

• Ohio State named the Iron Buckeyes on Friday, March 13, 2026.