Emeka Egbuka

• Emeka Egbuka, Ohio St., 6006, 205, WR, Sr.

  Overview

  The Washington native burst onto the scene at Steilacoom High School, establishing himself as one of the nation's premier receiving prospects with a dominant prep career that included 199 receptions for 3,987 yards and 61 touchdowns. His junior campaign showcased his explosive playmaking ability with 83 catches for 1,607 yards and 25 receiving touchdowns, plus three punt return scores and four rushing touchdowns. A record-setting performance in the state championship game with 18 receptions cemented his five-star status across all major recruiting services. Making an immediate impact after early enrollment at Ohio State, Egbuka first flashed his dynamic ability in the return game, leading the Big Ten in kickoff return average as a freshman while adding an 85-yard reception. His sophomore season marked his true breakout, as he racked up 74 catches for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding two rushing scores. Though an ankle injury limited his junior year to 41 receptions and 515 yards, he bounced back emphatically as a senior with 81 catches, 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns. Over his four-year career in Columbus, Egbuka consistently delivered in the biggest moments, particularly impressive in his eight games against ranked opponents where he accumulated 51 receptions for 610 yards. His complete collegiate stat line of 205 receptions, 2,868 yards and 24 touchdowns showcases both his consistency and explosive playmaking ability.

  Scouting Report

  Pros

  Rare combination of elite long speed and technical route-running acumen, regularly stressing defensive leverage at all three levels of the field. Natural hands-catcher who extends away from his frame and shows exceptional ball tracking ability on vertical routes. Savvy route technician who varies tempo and uses subtle head/shoulder fakes to manipulate defensive backs' positioning. Sharp cuts at the top of routes with minimal telegraphing, consistently creating separation through precise footwork. Advanced feel against zone coverage, showing innate ability to find soft spots and present clear throwing windows. Electric after the catch, combining track speed with vision and instincts honed in the return game. Runs with competitive toughness, showing willingness to work through traffic and take hits to secure catches. Immediate special teams contributor with proven production as both punt and kick returner.

  Cons

  Durability concerns after ankle surgery and three missed games during 2023 season require thorough medical evaluation. Limited experience working against press coverage from boundary alignment could delay outside receiver development. Average-sized frame can lead to difficulties maintaining positioning against longer, more physical corners. Could show more consistency extending catch radius on throws outside his frame. Sometimes struggles to sustain blocks against bigger defensive backs in the run game.

  Career Honors

  • 2024: Team captain
  • 2024: Third-team All-Big Ten (coaches)
  • 2024: Academic All-Big Ten Conference
  • 2024: One of three team reps at Big Ten Media Days
  • 2023: Graduated in December with degree in marketing
  • 2023: Third-team All-Big Ten (coaches)
  • 2023: OSU Scholar-Athlete
  • 2023: Academic All-Big Ten honoree
  • 2022: Finalist for the Paul Hornung Award
  • 2022: Second-team All-Big Ten Conference (coaches & media)
  • 2022: College Sports Communicators Academic All-American (second team)
  • 2022: Academic All-Big Ten
  • 2022: OSU Scholar-Athlete
  • 2021: Freshman All-American (Pro Football Focus)
  • 2021: Honorable mention All-Big Ten on special teams
  • 2021: OSU Scholar-Athlete

  High School

  Egbuka was a consensus five-star prospect, ranked as the nation's top-ranked wide receiver and No. 8 overall player by 247Sports. Named the 2019 Gatorade Player of the Year in Washington, he had a remarkable high school career. As a senior, he caught 83 passes for 1,607 yards and 25 touchdowns, while also returning three punts for scores and rushing for four touchdowns. His total all-purpose yards reached 2,240. Defensively, he recorded 28 tackles and eight interceptions, returning two for touchdowns. In the 2A state championship game, he set a title-game record with 18 receptions for 163 yards and three touchdowns, complemented by eight tackles and an interception. Throughout his high school career, Egbuka accumulated 199 catches for nearly 4,000 yards and 61 touchdowns. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Washington moved its 2020 high school football season to the spring of 2021, affecting his senior year. In addition to football, Egbuka was also a standout baseball player.

  Personal

  Parents are Henry Egbuka and Rhonda Ogilvie, with Eric Ogilvie serving as his stepfather. Egbuka has a younger brother named Keanan and a younger sister named Eva. Fans can follow his journey on social media via Twitter @emeka_egbuka and Instagram @emeka.egbuka.

2022

rushing
YPC	TD	YDS	CAR	LONG
7.9	2.0	87.0	11.0	27.0

receiving
REC	YPR	TD	LONG	YDS
74.0	15.6	10.0	69.0	1151.0

fumbles
REC	LOST	FUM
0.0	1.0	1.0

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
0.0	0.0	1.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	1.0

kickReturns
LONG	YDS	NO	TD	AVG
25.0	25.0	1.0	0.0	25.0

puntReturns
AVG	NO	TD	LONG	YDS
6.8	11.0	0.0	18.0	75.0

2021

receiving
REC	YPR	TD	LONG	YDS
9.0	21.2	0.0	85.0	191.0

fumbles
REC	LOST	FUM
0.0	0.0	1.0

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
0.0	0.0	2.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	2.0

kickReturns
LONG	YDS	NO	TD	AVG
67.0	580.0	20.0	0.0	29.0