Ohio State could go back-to-back.
On Wednesday, Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka was named a preseason candidate for the Biletnikoff Award, an honor presented to college football's best pass catcher. Egbuka will look to become the second consecutive Buckeye to win the Biletnikoff after Marvin Harrison Jr. took home the award in 2023.
.@emeka_egbuka adding Biletnikoff Preseason Watch list to early recognition pic.twitter.com/UtsCTJCdiK
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 7, 2024
Egbuka made an instant impact as a freshman at Ohio State, collecting nine catches for 191 yards and returning 20 kicks for 580 yards. As a sophomore in 2022, Egbuka emerged as the Buckeyes' second-best pass catcher behind Harrison, recording 74 receptions for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns and earning second-team All-Big Ten honors.
In 2023, Egbuka was expected to build on his reputation as one of college football's best receivers. However, a midseason ankle injury prevented him from performing up to his potential, as he missed three games and caught 41 passes for 515 yards and four touchdowns.
After being Ohio State's second option behind Harrison in each of the past two seasons, Egbuka will be the Buckeyes' go-to receiver in 2024, leading a position room that also features Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss and Jeremiah Smith, among others.
Ohio State has had two Biletnikoff Award winners all-time: Terry Glenn in 1995 and Harrison in 2023. Glenn won the award after catching 64 passes for 1,411 yards and 17 touchdowns, while Harrison received the honor after catching 67 passes for 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns.
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
Walter Camp Player of The Year
- Emeka Egbuka, wide receiver
- Quinshon Judkins, running back
- Will Howard, quarterback
Doak Walker Award
- TreVeyon Henderson, running back
- Quinshon Judkins, running back
Biletnikoff Award
- Emeka Egbuka, wide receiver
