With Jaxon Smith-Njigba being the only returning starting wide receiver to the Ohio State football team’s offense, it would appear there are two spots to be battled over. However, after Marvin Harrison Jr.’s three-touchdown Rose Bowl coming-out party, he probably has a fairly good grip on one of those two openings. So, the question is who will be the third receiver to grab a starting job? Here is a look at a few candidates.
Julian Fleming – The junior from Pennsylvania has been either stuck behind great receivers on the depth chart or battling injuries in his first two seasons with the Buckeyes. He finished the 2021 season with twelve catches for 86 yards and a touchdown, including a five-catch performance in the Rose Bowl.
When he signed with the Ohio State football program out of high school he was rated as the top receiver and number two player overall in the country. If his start in the Rose Bowl is any indication, he’s the frontrunner to be that third starter.
Emeka Egbuka – Like Fleming, he was the nation’s top receiver when he came to the Buckeyes. Unfortunately for him, he was behind Smith-Njigba on the depth chart this year. He took advantage of his opportunity as a kick returner to show he has ball-carrying skills and became a weapon.
The question here is will he or Smith-Njigba be moved outside from slot receiver like Garrett Wilson did heading into spring practice last year. The sophomore is ultra-talented and will make a real push to get on the field as a regular next season.
Jayden Ballard – After playing in just four games as a true freshman in order to preserve his redshirt, he is probably a long shot to win a starting job. At 6’2” he’s similar in size to Fleming. The hope is he puts on weight and learns to use that big frame to his advantage.
If you want a sleeper, it may be true freshman Kiyon Graves. He was very impressive in the Under Armour All-American game a few weeks ago. I think it is going to be very difficult for him to claw his way past the talent and experience in front of him.
OSU receivers coach Brian Hartline does a great job of developing talent. So, regardless of who starts, you can bet the Buckeyes are going to have a very talented group for C.J. Stroud to work with.