FROM SYCAMORE TO NCAA GLORY AND BACK: Ohio State Champion Inky Jones Returns Home to Speak at FCA Leadership Camp — Young People Invited to Hear His Powerful Message of Faith, Perseverance, and Purpose!

Inky Jones is coming home. And not just for a visit, but to deliver a message that could change lives. A former standout in the Sycamore community and now a champion with the Ohio State Buckeyes, Inky’s journey from the heart of Steubenville to the pinnacle of college football is a story soaked in faith, perseverance, and purpose. On Thursday, June 19, from 4:30 to 5:00 p.m., Inky will return to the place where it all began—Sycamore, 301 N. 4th St.—to speak at the Sycamore FCA Leadership Camp, and he’s not coming empty-handed. He’s bringing with him a testimony shaped by trials and triumphs, and a heart ready to inspire the next generation.

Growing up in Sycamore, Inky was never far from the community that molded him. He spent countless hours on those grounds as a youth—practicing, learning, dreaming. The faces in the crowd were familiar, the voices encouraging, and the lessons lifelong. He didn’t always know where his journey would lead, but he believed there was something more in store. That belief, anchored by his deep faith, propelled him from local fields to the national stage. This past season, Inky was part of the Ohio State Buckeyes team that etched its name into NCAA history, capturing a national championship that crowned a season of relentless hard work, unity, and faith-driven ambition.

But as monumental as that achievement was, it doesn’t define Inky. Ask him what drives him and you’ll hear less about rings and trophies and more about relationships, purpose, and God’s plan. He doesn’t just talk about winning on the field—he talks about winning in life. That’s why his return to Sycamore is so significant. He isn’t just coming back as a football player. He’s coming back as a messenger, as someone who understands the power of influence and the responsibility to give back to the place that gave him his foundation.

Thursday’s event is more than just a speaking engagement—it’s a moment of connection. No reservation is needed. No tickets are required. Just show up. That’s the beauty of it. The door is wide open, and the invitation is clear: come hear what this dynamic young man of God has to say. Whether you’re a young athlete chasing your dreams, a student navigating challenges, or someone seeking direction in life, there’s something in Inky’s story for everyone. His words won’t be empty platitudes. They’ll be real, raw, and rooted in experience. He knows what it’s like to be doubted. He knows what it’s like to fight through adversity. And he knows what it means to trust in God when the path forward isn’t clear.

At Ohio State, Inky was more than just a player. He was a glue guy—someone who brought his teammates together, uplifted those around him, and led by example. Coaches and players alike praised his maturity, work ethic, and unshakable faith. He wasn’t just on the team—he was part of the team’s soul. Those qualities didn’t just develop overnight. They were formed in the fire of life’s challenges, shaped by his upbringing in Sycamore, and strengthened by his relationship with God.

Now, Inky wants to pour that experience into the next generation. His appearance at the FCA Leadership Camp isn’t about reliving past glory—it’s about igniting a fire in others. The FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) camp is the perfect setting for that kind of impact. It’s a space where faith and sports intersect, where young leaders are encouraged to grow not just in skill but in character. Inky embodies that mission. He’s proof that you can chase excellence while remaining grounded in faith and humility.

It’s easy to look at a national champion and see only the success. But Inky’s journey hasn’t been without struggle. There were moments of doubt, setbacks that tested his resolve, and seasons where progress felt invisible. But through it all, he held firm to a higher calling. His story is a reminder that greatness isn’t measured solely by accomplishments—it’s also measured by who you become in the process. For young people trying to find their way, that’s a powerful message. And it’s coming straight from someone who walked that very road.

Inky’s visit is a full-circle moment. He’s walking back into the same building where he once sat as a wide-eyed kid, listening to others. Now, he’s the one at the front of the room, the one with a mic in his hand and a message in his heart. There’s something poetic about that. It speaks to the cycle of mentorship, of community, and of the importance of pouring into the lives of others.

Thursday’s event isn’t just for athletes. It’s for anyone who needs encouragement, for anyone who’s ever questioned their worth, or wondered if they have what it takes. It’s for anyone seeking hope. Inky Jones doesn’t have all the answers, but he knows the One who does. And he’s eager to share how that relationship changed his life. His talk will touch on more than just football—it’ll explore identity, discipline, failure, forgiveness, and the kind of legacy we’re all capable of leaving behind.

This isn’t just another camp activity. It’s a moment with the potential to resonate long after the applause fades. Sometimes, it takes just one voice, one story, to light a spark in a young person’s life. Inky might be that spark. He’s relatable, authentic, and passionate about helping others discover their purpose. He’s not coming to preach perfection—he’s coming to share what it looks like to walk with faith through both the valleys and the victories.

For the Sycamore community, this event is also a point of pride. To see one of their own return in this capacity is a testament to what’s possible. It’s proof that greatness can come from familiar soil. It’s a celebration of local roots and the impact that a supportive environment can have on shaping future leaders.

Parents, coaches, youth pastors, and community leaders—consider encouraging the young people in your life to attend. Bring a friend. Bring a team. This is the kind of experience that can shape perspectives and set hearts on fire. And the best part? You don’t have to sign up or pay a fee. You just have to show up. And sometimes, showing up is the first step to transformation.

In a world that often glorifies fame and material success, voices like Inky’s are needed more than ever. Voices that remind us of deeper truths, of eternal values, and of the power of living for something greater than yourself. That’s what Thursday’s talk at Sycamore is all about. It’s not just about where Inky has been—it’s about where others can go if they believe, work hard, and trust God every step of the way.

So mark your calendars. Spread the word. And be there. June 19, 4:30 to 5:00 p.m., Sycamore at 301 N. 4th St. in Steubenville. Come as you are. Leave inspired. Let’s fill the room and show Inky the kind of love and support that only a hometown can offer. But more importantly, let’s create a moment where young people walk away believing in their potential and in the God who made them. Inky Jones is coming home, and he’s bringing more than just a championship ring—he’s bringing hope.