More watch lists, more Buckeyes.
On Thursday, Emeka Egbuka landed on the watch list for the Paul Hornung Award, an honor presented to "the most versatile player in college football." Seth McLaughlin, meanwhile, earned a spot on the watch list for the Wuerffel Trophy, "college football's premier award for community service."
Egbuka has been one of college football's most versatile players in each of his three seasons at Ohio State. In 33 games for the Buckeyes, the wide receiver has collected 124 receptions for 1,857 yards and 14 touchdowns. He has also recorded 16 carries for 112 yards and two touchdowns, 21 kick returns for 605 yards and 18 punt returns for 98 yards in his collegiate career. Egbuka was a Paul Hornung Award finalist in 2022 and a watch list member in 2023.
McLaughlin, who transferred from Alabama to Ohio State in January, makes his first appearance on the Wuerffel Trophy watch list in 2024. Throughout his four years with the Crimson Tide, McLaughlin participated in several outreach efforts for the football program in Tuscaloosa. He also made headlines when he donated some of his NIL proceeds to West Alabama Food Bank.
The Paul Hornung Award is Egbuka's second watch list nomination this preseason, along with the Maxwell Award, while the Wuerffel Trophy is McLaughlin's first nomination.
Buckeyes on preseason awards watch lists
Maxwell Award
- Emeka Egbuka, wide receiver
- Quinshon Judkins, running back
- Will Howard, quarterback
Bronko Nagurski Trophy
- Caleb Downs, safety
- Tyleik Williams, defensive tackle
- JT Tuimoloau, defensive end
- Denzel Burke, cornerback
Outland Trophy
- Josh Fryar, offensive tackle
- Donovan Jackson, offensive lineman
- Tyleik Williams, defensive tackle
Jim Thorpe Award
- Denzel Burke, cornerback
- Caleb Downs, safety
Lott IMPACT Trophy
- Denzel Burke, cornerback
- Caleb Downs, safety
- JT Tuimoloau, defensive end
Dodd Trophy
- Ryan Day, head coach
Paul Hornung Award
- Emeka Egbuka, wide receiver
Wuerffel Trophy
- Seth McLaughlin, offensive line
