Inniss Named Block “O” Recipient for 2026 Season
8/22/2026 1:58:00 PM | Football
The Block “O” honors Ohio State great Bill Willis and what he stood for — toughness, accountability and the highest character — values the current Buckeyes strive to demonstrate every day.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State head coach Ryan Day announced Saturday that wide receiver Brandon Inniss has been named the 2026 recipient of the prestigious Block "O." Inniss is the seventh recipient of the Block "O," which was established to honor Bill Willis and is awarded annually following a vote from the Buckeyes football program.
From Coach Ryan Day
2026 Block "O" Recipient
History of the Block "O"
Ohio State's tradition of awarding the Block "O" is inspired by one of the all-time greats to ever don the Scarlet and Gray: Bill Willis. A defensive end whose career spanned from 1942-44, Willis was an All-American and national champion during his time with the Buckeyes. He later went on to break the color barrier in the National Football League as a member of the Cleveland Browns and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as well as the College Football Hall of Fame.
Willis' No. 99 is retired at Ohio State and what he stood for – toughness, accountability and the highest of character – are values that the current-day Buckeyes strive for every day. With Willis' jersey being retired, the player dawns the No. 0 each year.
Ohio State's Block "O" Recipients
From Coach Ryan Day
- "Brandon is the right choice to wear the Block 'O' this season. It is an honor that represents much more than what a player does on the field. It represents toughness, accountability, and character, and Brandon has earned the respect of everyone in our building through the way he works, prepares and serves his teammates. He is now a two-time captain who understands what it means to wear the Scarlet and Gray and the responsibility that comes with this program. Brandon continues to grow as a leader, and he will represent the legacy of Bill Willis and everything the Block 'O' stands for the right way."
2026 Block "O" Recipient
- Wide Receiver Brandon Inniss
- A returning captain from the 2025 season, Inniss is coming off his best season as a Buckeye. He ended the season with 35 receptions for 271 yards and three touchdowns while also having five kick returns for 66 yards and 17 punt returns for 181 yards, helping him earn All-Big Ten Special Teams Honorable Mention. Additionally for his work off the field, Inniss received CSC Academic All-District, Academic All-Big Ten Conference and OSU Scholar-Athlete.
Ahead of the 2026 season, Inniss was named to the Hornung Award Watch List which is given out to the most versatile player in the country.
Inniss becomes the third wide receiver to wear the Block "O", joining Kamryn Babb (2022) and Xavier Johnson (2023).
- A returning captain from the 2025 season, Inniss is coming off his best season as a Buckeye. He ended the season with 35 receptions for 271 yards and three touchdowns while also having five kick returns for 66 yards and 17 punt returns for 181 yards, helping him earn All-Big Ten Special Teams Honorable Mention. Additionally for his work off the field, Inniss received CSC Academic All-District, Academic All-Big Ten Conference and OSU Scholar-Athlete.
History of the Block "O"
Ohio State's tradition of awarding the Block "O" is inspired by one of the all-time greats to ever don the Scarlet and Gray: Bill Willis. A defensive end whose career spanned from 1942-44, Willis was an All-American and national champion during his time with the Buckeyes. He later went on to break the color barrier in the National Football League as a member of the Cleveland Browns and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as well as the College Football Hall of Fame.
Willis' No. 99 is retired at Ohio State and what he stood for – toughness, accountability and the highest of character – are values that the current-day Buckeyes strive for every day. With Willis' jersey being retired, the player dawns the No. 0 each year.
Ohio State's Block "O" Recipients
- 2020 – DE Jonathon Cooper
- 2021 – OL Thayer Munford
- 2022 – WR Kamryn Babb
- 2023 – WR Xavier Johnson
- 2024 – LB Cody Simon
- 2025 – LB Sonny Styles
- 2026 – WR Brandon Inniss
Players Mentioned
WR
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LB
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