For just the seventh time in the history of the Ohio State program, the Buckeyes have named seven team captains for the upcoming season.

When speaking to the team, Ryan Day said to the team, "Based on how the vote comes out, we try to decide the right mix. For the seventh time in the history of Ohio State history we are going to have seven captains. That's all based on how the voting broke out."

Again, nearly every program from high school through the NFL, the captains are decided based on the vote of the entire team. 

Payton Pierce absolutely has his work cut out for him this year. He is replacing one of the best linebackers in America and one of the best linebackers in the history of Ohio State football, Sonny Styles. Being named captain and being the first one announced is significant and a good sign for the state of the Buckeyes' defense.

Just as Pierce is having to replace one of the great players on the Buckeyes defense, so to does Jaylen McClain. 

McClain is a guy who has made big plays already for the Buckeyes in his career, but his role is going to be elevated this year. He has a major responsibility to fill in for Caleb Downs and be the quarterback of the Ohio State defense.

From every single report, Julian Sayin has really improved his leadership ability heading into what should be his final season in college. Sayin has a major season ahead of him to wash the stink off the end of last season and push the Buckeyes over the edge to go for a National Championship.

Kenyatta Jackson has been a staple of the Buckeyes' program for the past three seasons. He was never the main pass rusher but always came in and made plays. This offseason, he has taken the role of the leader on that side of the football and a guy that the team rallies behind. 

Brandon Inniss is leadership personified. Maybe he has never been the best wide receiver in that room, but he has always been the best leader. He holds the standard, and when the Buckeyes need a play, they are not afraid to go to Inniss.

Jeremiah Smith has been the best player in the entire country for the last year and a half. Going into next year, he has the potential to have the best wide receiver season ever, and if that happens, the Buckeyes will be making a Playoff run. 

Smith has very obviously improved his leadership abilities and is a guy that everyone on this team looks to lead the team. 

Austin Siereveld is one of the most important pieces up front. He is either going to be the Buckeyes' left tackle or guard. He was the cornerstone piece last year for the Buckeyes and will be that again in 2026.