Ohio State just dropped their list of 2026 team captains, and for the seventh time in school history, they’re rolling with at least seven guys leading the charge. This isn’t just a big number, it’s the first time since 2020 the Buckeyes have had that many captains, and it marks the third time head coach Ryan Day has seen seven players earn the honor. Austin Siereveld, an offensive lineman, and wide receiver Brandon Inniss are back as captains for their second year in a row, which tells you everything about their impact. Joining them are safety Jaylen McClain, quarterback Julian Sayin, defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr., linebacker Payton Pierce, and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. To even be on the ballot, a Buckeye has to be at least a junior, senior, or fifth-year player.
Who Else Deserves a Spot at the Top?
Look, every one of those guys named is absolutely deserving, no doubt about it. We aren’t trying to yank anyone’s captaincy. But the question everyone’s asking is, who else should be in that leadership huddle? Who could be that eighth captain to make this group even stronger, especially with the strict eligibility rules always in play? We’re talking about that player who puts in the work, who leads by example, and who just *feels* like a captain. You gotta wonder who the team sees stepping up.
Why Luke Montgomery Is the Unsung Hero
For me, that guy is offensive lineman Luke Montgomery. Yeah, I know, Siereveld is already repping the O-line, but there’s no rule against having more than one captain from the same position group. Look at wide receiver, both Inniss and Smith are rocking captain badges! Montgomery would be the perfect complement to Siereveld, a one-two punch of O-line leadership. These two guys have followed such a similar path, too: both coming from Ohio high schools, both seeing action in the second half of the 2024 season, and both earning full-time starting spots last year. Siereveld’s got that extra year of captain experience from 2025, but Montgomery is right there with him. Both were part of that 2024 offensive line that had everything to prove heading into the playoffs. They both carry that bad taste in their mouth from how the 2025 season ended, remember when the line just couldn’t slow down the Indiana and Miami defenses in those final two games? Brutal. After those crushing losses, Siereveld, Montgomery, and the rest of the line worked relentlessly to get ready for the grind, hoping for a deep playoff run this season. Montgomery has even been talking about how he feels during the offseason.
That kind of dedication, that fire to correct past wrongs, that’s what leadership is all about. The entire offensive line is focused on making sure they are ready, and having another vocal leader like Montgomery at the helm would be huge for getting that deep playoff run.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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