Emeka Egbuka is running it back.
Despite being projected as a potential first-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft, Egbuka is staying at Ohio State for his senior season, giving the Buckeyes another year with one of their biggest stars.
Egbuka entered this past season with expectations of being one of college football’s best wide receivers after catching 74 passes for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022. A midseason ankle injury, however, prevented Egbuka from performing up to his potential as he missed three games and caught 41 passes for 515 yards and four touchdowns in 2023.
After playing second fiddle to Marvin Harrison Jr. for the past two seasons, Egbuka now projects to be Ohio State’s go-to receiver in 2024. With Harrison entering the 2024 NFL draft and Julian Fleming now at Penn State, Egbuka’s return will give the Buckeyes valuable experience and leadership in what will otherwise be an inexperienced wide receiver room next fall.
Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss and five-star freshman Jeremiah Smith are the leading candidates to join Egbuka in the starting lineup next season. With experience playing both outside and inside, it’s possible Egbuka could play at either spot depending on who else rounds out the starting lineup at receiver alongside him.
Egbuka joins a long list of key Buckeyes who announced they’ll stay for the 2024 season that also includes left guard Donovan Jackson, defensive end Jack Sawyer, defensive tackles Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton, linebacker Cody Simon, cornerbacks Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock and safety Lathan Ransom.
Ohio State is still awaiting decisions from running back TreVeyon Henderson and defensive end JT Tuimoloau on whether they will be back for their senior seasons.
