Ohio State Football: What to expect from Emeka Egbuka

The Ohio State football team is replacing two excellent wide receivers in Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson. Both are likely going to be first-round picks next month. That doesn’t mean that the receiver room is going to struggle this year though. The Buckeyes are still good there.

One of the receivers who now has a chance for increased playing time is Emeka Egbuka. Egbuka was a freshman a year ago and played mostly on special teams. He had some good kick returns though and looks like he’s a candidate to break a long return at any moment.

As far as his contributions on offense are concerned, the number one receiver in the 2021 class didn’t do a whole lot. He only had 9 catches for 191 yards on the season. Three of those catches were against Utah in the Rose Bowl when neither Olave nor Wilson was playing.

With both of them gone this year, Egbuka has a real chance to make a name for himself. Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Marvin Harrison Jr. are locks to start at receiver. The question is who gets the third receiver spot, which will likely be outside opposite of Harrison Jr.

Egbuka will be fighting Julian Fleming for that spot. Both players have an immense amount of talent, but I think I give Egbuka the edge. He’s been able to stay on the field and be healthy, unlike Fleming. Egbuka has also already shown his value on special teams.

I think we can expect Egbuka to be significantly involved in the offense no matter what this season. I see him getting at least 50 catches and 600 yards of receiving. He’s got really great hands and can make tough catches, which he showed off in Pasadena.

Egbuka is just one of many young Ohio State football players that will be emerging this season to help the Buckeyes on their march towards a national championship.