There is a new name in the Ohio State wide receiver room, and he is allegedly the next one up
There is a new face in the Ohio State wide receiver room that is taking the team by storm. His name is Brock Boyd, and as a true freshman, it appears that he has what it takes to be the next man up in that room.
The Ohio State wide receiver room has been the best group in the country for the better part of the last decade. It is a group that is littered with first-round picks, superstar players, and guys who are consistently the best in the room on the Ohio State team.
Heading into 2026, a group that is always a massive strength for Ohio State is a major question mark. Outside of Jeremiah Smith, the rest of the room is a total unknown.
One of the unknowns that is showing a ton of promise is budding star Brock Boyd.
Boyd is a true freshman who has enrolled early and burst onto the scene in emphatic fashion. There are hints everywhere that his game has a lot of potential. But what really moved the needle was on March 21st, when he lost his black stripe, signalling that not only is he showing it on the field, but he is doing everything off the field the right way.
Also, that signals that Ryan Day and the offensive staff know that they are going to need him and need him early next year to fill in behind Smith.
So, who is this player?
Boyd was a three-star recruit out of the state of Texas who was probably under-ranked coming into college.
The context clues bear that out as former wide receiver coach Brian Hartline doesn't just recruit anyone. If he is interested in you, it is because you have something that is different and special.
From a statistical standpoint, there is also an argument to be made that he is way better than a three-star. In 2024, Boyd's Junior year, he posted 111 catches for 1,875 yards and 19 touchdowns. In the state of Texas, that alone will get you a look at Ohio State. It did for Boyd.
Since Boyd has been in Columbus and started getting meaningful reps, he has shown that he has ultimate skill. He is so shifty off the line of scrimmage, he runs routes like he is a three-year college veteran, and he already has incredibly natural hands.
When the Buckeyes take the field in the fall, the number one target is going to be Jereimiah Smith.
Someone is going to need to emerge behind him, and maybe that guy is going to be true freshman Brock Boyd.
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