Episode Details

Horseshoe Hangover Live 11 Hosts: Brad Thomas & Denzel Jones OhioStateVOCFB Topic focus: 2026 captains / Block O, Ryan Day on NFL-to-college returns, Brandon Inniss, impact/breakout players (offense & defense), overrated guys, best units, Michigan’s reported interest in Drew Mestemaker vs. Bryce Underwood

Intro & Weekend Recaps

00:00–01:50 Brad opens: “What a weekend” energy continues as CFB season approaches (still two weeks from Buckeyes’ opener). Denzel was muted briefly.

• Denzel: relaxed, watched preseason.
• Brad: bachelor party (best man is a big Buckeye; groom is an “honorary Buckeye”). Fantasy draft in a cabana—jump in pool, make a pick, repeat. Talked Buckeyes outlook the whole time.

2026 Captains Announcement – Biggest Surprises

01:54–04:40 Buckeyes named captains for 2026. Discussion on surprises and the expanded list.

• Denzel: Peyton Pierce getting the most votes was the mild surprise. Expected Brandon Inniss (returning captain) or C.J. Hicks/Sonny Styles-type presence more.
• Brad: Agree on the volume of captains (feels like half the impact players). Presence already showing in camp from Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Jeremiah Smith, Julian Sayin. No reason to drop Inniss or previous captains.
• List hits every position group; mentality is strong—guys earned it in the offseason.
• Julian Sayin put in work, got bigger; hope for more agility/pocket presence.
• Kenyatta Jackson as captain is big; “most slept-on” nationally but heavily discussed in Buckeye circles. Calling 12+ sacks. Captaincy (like Sonny Styles last year) often elevates ownership and play.
• Linebacker pipeline continues: hope Pierce follows the pattern of successive better players.

Ryan Day on Players Returning from NFL / Draft Process

04:40–07:20 Day commented on the growing trend of players entering the NFL process then returning to college.

• Day’s stance (per hosts): doesn’t love it for current roster chemistry, but priority is making the team better. Will use the rules if it helps win.
• Denzel: Doesn’t like the rule/practice overall (“once you go to the league, stay there”), but not surprised Day is open—he’s been first to adapt on NIL and portal.
• Brad: Strongly prefers Day’s framing over Dan Lanning’s near-outright rejection at Oregon. “Adapt or die.” Day has matured into more flexible coaching; early-tenure rigidity (early-2020s defense cited) has given way to better program adaptability. Uses rules to his advantage while still being player-friendly where possible.

Brandon Inniss – Two-Time Captain & Block O Recipient

07:20–13:30 Deep dive on Inniss after receiving Block O and another captaincy.

• Denzel: Likes him; wants more juice on the field. Leadership and work ethic already there. Hope for better deep-ball opportunities + after-catch burst. Projection: 500+ yards, ~6 TDs if things break right. Deserves a big year after fan/media criticism.
• Brad: National media has largely ignored him this offseason (even in “five-WR rotation” talk). Low external expectations could help. High-school five-star status created inflated early expectations he never fully lived up to in the public eye. Program guy who could have left (Heartland offers) and been a clear No. 1 elsewhere.
• Both: Sure-handed, big-moment catches (Penn State, Michigan TD). Will likely be the solid third receiver in a loaded room. Expect end-of-year stat lines that make people ask why he wasn’t discussed more.
• Quick side: Julian Fleming comparison (high expectations, didn’t pan out, later issues at Penn State).

Offense Impact / Break