Emeka Egbuka has spent his Ohio State career playing alongside some of the most talented wide receivers in program history, yet he’s never been the type to demand the spotlight.

Emeka Egbuka has spent his Ohio State career playing alongside some of the most talented wide receivers in program history, yet he’s never been the type to demand the spotlight. As a freshman in 2021, he shared the field with Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson—both future first-round NFL draft picks. When they departed, Jaxon Smith-Njigba was expected to be the next star, but injuries limited his impact, leaving Egbuka and Marvin Harrison Jr. to carry the load in 2022. While Harrison emerged as the headliner, Egbuka quietly put together an outstanding season, finishing with 74 catches, 1,151 yards, and 10 touchdowns.

 

Even as Harrison became a Heisman candidate and one of the best receivers in college football, Egbuka remained steady. He was never one to complain about a lack of attention or demand more targets. Instead, he embraced his role, whether it meant stretching the field, making tough catches over the middle, or blocking downfield to help his teammates succeed. His versatility and reliability made him a crucial part of the Buckeyes’ offense, even if he wasn’t always the first name mentioned in highlight reels.

 

That team-first mentality is part of what makes Egbuka special. He could have easily transferred to a program where he would be the unquestioned WR1, but he stayed at Ohio State, content with contributing however he could. His quiet consistency, combined with his elite talent, ensured that when his opportunities came, he was ready to deliver. Whether or not he received the same national attention as his teammates, Egbuka’s impact on Ohio State’s success was undeniable. And in the end, his selfless approach will make him just as valuable at the next level as the stars he played alongside.