Emeka Egbuka’s decision to return to Ohio State didn’t come easily.
The push and pull between an early-round NFL draft selection and unachieved collegiate ambitions was strong. Egbuka didn’t arrive at a decision until the final hours before he announced his choice on Jan. 11.
Ultimately, it was his faith that guided him back.
“I probably knew I was coming back like a day before I posted that I was,” Egbuka said. “I took all the time I needed with my decision to consult my family, to consult God about it. I feel like, ultimately, the Lord led me to return for another year to do something bigger than just for myself. So this season I’m gonna really use it all to dedicate to the Lord and just do that.”
As much of Egbuka’s senior class returns, the star receiver is excited to get to work at the place he feels he’s meant to be.
“Obviously them coming back helps and we want to rally together, but, ultimately, I was gonna make the best decision for myself and I was gonna walk by faith and go wherever I felt like the Lord was calling me,” Egbuka said. “So through many hours of prayer and talks with my family and agents and gathering all the information I could, coming back made the most sense for me. And obviously, I couldn’t pass up another year with my guys.”
Settling in for his fourth spring at Ohio State, Egbuka feels there’s something more for not just he but the rest of the offense to show.
An ankle injury limited Egbuka to just 10 games and his production declined from his sophomore season. He went from 71 receptions for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022 to 41 catches for 515 yards and four touchdowns in 2023.
With the Buckeyes returning nine starters and adding the nation’s No. 1 transfer portal prospect at safety to a defense that was top three in both scoring and yardage last year, their offense – which finished No. 46 and 48 in the same two categories –feels challenged to be better this spring.
“I feel like it’s different every year,” Egbuka said. “You’ve gotta get acclimated to who you are as a team, your new identity. There’s new leadership roles. But with a lot of people returning, there’s a lot of (the) same faces. I think we’re returning nine starters on the defense, so we kind of know what it is. So I feel like the offense kind of has something to prove in that aspect. So we’re looking to compete this spring with the defense and it’s gonna be a fun one.”
That competition will begin with a new face at quarterback, where Ohio State has brought in former Kansas State gunslinger Will Howard to compete with Devin Brown and Lincoln Kienholz for the starting job.
“I’m really excited to see what he can do this spring,” Egbuka said. “I feel like he’s a phenomenal talent, a really smart quarterback and he’s a veteran guy, fifth-year guy. So I’m hoping he can bring some experience.”
“Through many hours of prayer and talks with my family and agents and gathering all the information I could, coming back made the most sense for me. And obviously, I couldn’t pass up another year with my guys.”– Emeka Egbuka on why he returned to Ohio State
For Egbuka’s part, the bumps and bruises of last year have healed. He’s ready to push forward as the leader of a talented – if young, outside of him – Ohio State receivers room. Sophomores Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss alongside freshman Jeremiah Smith, the nation's No. 1 prospect in 2023, figure to round out the team's rotation out wide.
“I feel great,” Egbuka said. “I’ve been working with my trainers, we have the best training staff in the nation. They’re getting me right every single day to be able to put my best foot forward this spring and I’m looking forward to doing that.”
The next step for Egbuka’s progression is an increased role rotating through multiple spots within the Buckeyes’ offense. He played both in the slot and outside in Ohio State’s attack last year, but with Marvin Harrison Jr. off to the NFL, he figures to be the focal point for the team through the air. That will come with a bigger emphasis on scheming him open.
“(I’ll) probably be bouncing around a couple different spots,” Egbuka said. “Just honing my craft on the inside and outside in preparation for the next level. I don’t necessarily know where I’m going to be playing at the next level, so just want to continue honing my craft everywhere I can.”
With Egbuka in tow, the Buckeyes get back to work in spring practice on March 19 after a week off for spring break.
