Emeka Egbuka is far from a one-trick pony.
In fact, the Ohio State wide receiver has been a do-it-all kind of player since he arrived in Columbus as a top prospect in the Buckeyes' class of 2021, returning kicks and punts, catching passes and receiving handoffs in his college career.
Egbuka was recognized for his versatility on Thursday, when the Steilacoom, Washington, native was one of 53 players to appear on a watch list for the Paul Hornung Award, an honor presented annually to an all-around college football player by the Louisville Sports Commission.
.@emeka_egbuka earning more preseason accolades This time, The Paul Hornung Award watch list pic.twitter.com/emrNO9MsvN
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 3, 2023
According to a press release from the commission, the ACC leads all conferences with nine players on the award’s preseason watch list, followed by the Big 12 with eight, the Pac-12 with seven, and the Big Ten and Conference USA with six.
Egbuka had a breakout sophomore season in 2022, collecting 74 receptions for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns opposite unanimous All-American Marvin Harrison Jr. According to Pro Football Focus, Egbuka registered 526 yards after the catch, which ranked 12th in the country. He also recorded 11 carries for 87 yards and two scores and returned 11 punts for 75 yards. Egbuka was named one of four finalists for the 2022 Paul Hornung Award last fall.
In 2021, Egbuka was Ohio State’s lead kick returner as a freshman. He brought out 20 kicks and averaged an impressive 29.0 yards per return. Egbuka also collected nine receptions for 191 yards.
With several more watch lists still set to be announced by the National College Football Awards Association, the Buckeyes have had nine players named to preseason watch lists after Harrison and Egbuka were named to the Maxwell Award watch list, Donovan Jackson, Matt Jones and Mike Hall Jr. were named to the Outland Trophy watch list, JT Tuimoloau, Tommy Eichenberg and Lathan Ransom were named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list and Jesse Mirco was named to the Ray Guy Award watch list.
Ohio State Players on Preseason Watch Lists
- WR Marvin Harrison Jr.: Maxwell Award
- WR Emeka Egbuka: Maxwell Award, Paul Hornung Award
- G Donovan Jackson: Outland Trophy
- G Matt Jones: Outland Trophy
- DT Mike Hall Jr.: Outland Trophy
- DE JT Tuimoloau: Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Lott IMPACT Trophy
- LB Tommy Eichenberg: Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Lott IMPACT Trophy
- S Lathan Ransom: Bronko Nagurski Trophy
- P Jesse Mirco: Ray Guy Award
