Ohio State Names Four 2026 Iron Buckeyes After Winter Workouts

These players earned the prestigious award early in the offseason.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:50pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ohio State announced the recipients of the Iron Buckeye award for this year's winter conditioning workouts. The honorees are junior wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, senior wideout Brandon Inniss, junior safety Jaylen McClain, and junior linebacker Garrett Stover. Earning the Iron Buckeye distinction is a significant achievement that recognizes the players' dedication, work ethic, and physical transformation under the guidance of the Buckeyes' strength and conditioning program.

Why it matters

The Iron Buckeye award is a highly coveted honor at Ohio State, as it signifies a player's commitment to the program's rigorous offseason training regimen. These four individuals have set the tone for their teammates and will be expected to provide leadership and a physical edge as the Buckeyes prepare for the upcoming season.

The details

Jeremiah Smith, a junior wide receiver, has now earned the Iron Buckeye award for the third consecutive year, showcasing his elite physical traits and unmatched work ethic. Brandon Inniss, a senior wideout, has emerged as a dependable and explosive target for the Buckeyes' offense, and his recognition as an Iron Buckeye highlights his fierce competitiveness and growth as a vocal leader. Jaylen McClain, a junior safety, has steadily built a reputation as a key player and leader in the secondary, and this award confirms his dedication to the weight room and readiness to take on a more prominent role on defense. Garrett Stover, also a junior, continues his family's storied legacy of toughness with the Scarlet and Gray, and his transformation under the guidance of the strength and conditioning program suggests he could be ready to take on a more significant role in the middle of the defense.

  • The Iron Buckeye awards were presented to the team on Friday, March 13, 2026.
  • The Buckeyes will resume spring practice on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, after a week-long spring break.

The players

Jeremiah Smith

A junior wide receiver who has now earned the Iron Buckeye award for the third consecutive year, showcasing his elite physical traits and unmatched work ethic.

Brandon Inniss

A senior wideout who has emerged as a dependable and explosive target for the Buckeyes' offense, and his recognition as an Iron Buckeye highlights his fierce competitiveness and growth as a vocal leader.

Jaylen McClain

A junior safety who has steadily built a reputation as a key player and leader in the secondary, and this award confirms his dedication to the weight room and readiness to take on a more prominent role on defense.

Garrett Stover

A junior linebacker who continues his family's storied legacy of toughness with the Scarlet and Gray, and his transformation under the guidance of the strength and conditioning program suggests he could be ready to take on a more significant role in the middle of the defense.

Mickey Marotti

The associate athletic director for football sports performance at Ohio State, who presented the Iron Buckeye awards to the team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Earning Iron Buckeye honors is becoming a habit for Smith, who is now entering his third season in Columbus.”

— Patrick Murphy, Author (247sports.com)

“Known for his fierce competitiveness and route-running smarts, Inniss's recognition as an Iron Buckeye highlights his relentless dedication and his growth into an unquestioned vocal leader for the offense.”

— Patrick Murphy, Author (247sports.com)

What’s next

As Ohio State continues spring practice, these four Iron Buckeyes will be expected to set the tone by providing leadership and a physical edge as the Buckeyes prepare for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The Iron Buckeye award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of these four Ohio State players, who have demonstrated their commitment to the program's rigorous offseason training regimen. Their recognition as Iron Buckeyes will be crucial in setting the tone for the Buckeyes as they prepare for the 2026 season.