USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Brandon Inniss stands with Ohio State teammates.
A viral video of Ohio State football player Brandon Inniss has garnered a massive online response this offseason. The practice clip shows the wide receiver releasing for his route to haul in a long pass.
The video has been met with criticism from Buckeyes fans. There are some that don’t believe he’s worthy of a starting spot.
Former wideout Johnnie Dixon blasted the response in a social media message. He urged fans to support Ohio State football players as opposed to dragging them down.
Ohio State football video goes viral.
Just Brandon Inniss showing us what poetry in motion looks like! 🫢😎@OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/hEWrmPhH1d
— 97.1 The Fan (@971thefan) August 11, 2026
The initial clip, posted by a local radio show, was positive. The response that followed was not. See below:
“He really has no acceleration off the line of scrimmage.”
“Didn’t even twitch his body lol. Just snapped his head side to side.”
“Naw bruh, this ain’t it!”
The video quickly began circulating X, largely with negative feedback. One particular post grabbed Dixon’s attention.
What happened to the days of yall rooting for yall boys and not straight up hating all day everyday. https://t.co/dHshcXXBqN
— Johnnie L. Dixon III (@YoungKing_JD5) August 11, 2026
Dixon played for Ohio State between 2014 and 2018. He was a reserve on the ’14 national title team. He ended his career with a 42-catch senior year.
Dixon was a late bloomer in an often stacked Buckeyes wide receiver room. Despite being buried on the depth chart for his first three seasons, he remained loyal to the program.
The patience paid off. He hauled in eight touchdowns in each of his final two seasons while amassing nearly 1,100 yards.
The pass catcher is fully aware of the fanbase’s tenacity. He also knows how online attacks can crush confidence, even that of a veteran like Brandon Inniss.
Dixon pleaded for support, not hate. The Buckeyes might just need Inniss in the upcoming season.
Brandon Inniss is WR2.
The former four-star recruit could’ve gone anywhere in the nation. He chose Ohio State over offers from Alabama, Miami, Georgia, and many more. He had chances to leave as a three-year reserve but opted to stay.
Inniss wants to be a Buckeye. It seems the Buckeyes don’t want him. Regardless of that outlook, he will be an important piece of the offense.
The wideout does not possess the size and speed of Jeremiah Smith, nor the hype of Chris Henry, Jr. He is a sure-handed possession player that will be utilized in crucial third- and fourth-down scenarios.
Inniss didn’t start his first game with the Buckeyes until 2025. Last year, he hauled in 36 catches for 271 yards. The large majority of those receptions came on short routes and screen passes. He’ll likely be used in a similar capacity as a senior.
Inniss, standing just 6-foot tall, won’t be asked to take the top off the defense or grab that 50/50 jump ball. He will, however, play an integral role in moving the ball methodically up the field. Not every play can be a highlight. Think of his as Julian Sayin’s safety net.
Smith will get the attention of opposing defenses. Inniss can be the beneficiary. For now, he is slated as the No. 2 receiver in Columbus.
That may not sit well with Ohio State football fans, and things could certainly change down the road. Until that happens, the offense will rely on Brandon Inniss’s production. It might behoove the fanbase to support him ahead of his final season.