Better Know a Buckeye: Phillip Bell’s Combination of Size, Route-Running Ability and Ball Skills Draws Comparison to Emeka Egbuka

Phillip Bell was the fourth wide receiver to commit to Ohio State in the 2025 class, yet another loaded group for Ohio State at the position, one that is filled with plenty of optimism and potential.

While he was the final wideout in the cycle for the Buckeyes, his size, route running and nose for the ball give him a skill set that separates him from his peers, as the 35th-ranked wide receiver in the class could potentially remind Ohio State fans of its latest first-round pick at the position.

How He Became a Buckeye

Brian Hartline and Bell formed a close relationship the moment Ohio State offered the wideout in March of 2023.

After a game visit during the 2023 season, Bell took an official visit to Ohio State on June 14, 2024, one week before he took an official visit to USC, the Buckeyes’ top competition  for Bell. While his recruitment had been a back-and-forth affair between those two schools, the Buckeyes seemed to take control of the recruitment following that visit to Columbus.

“The main things for me throughout my whole recruitment stayed the same," he told On3 before picking Ohio State. "They were development, a place I know I can be happy every day and the place that I feel can help get me to where I want to be. That is what my decision came down to.”

On August 31, 2024, Bell committed to Ohio State, putting his trust in Hartline's development, leadership and OSU as a whole. He chose the Buckeyes over the likes of Georgia, USC and Washington.

"I just feel like Coach Hart, if he offers you a scholarship, you can't pass up the opportunity," Bell said during spring camp about the reason he committed to Ohio State. "He's sent so many guys to the league in the past years, first-round guys in the past four or five years. And he's going to do it again this year with Emeka Egbuka, and he's just going to keep doing it as these years come. So I'm trying to be one of those guys."

High School Years

As a sophomore for Christian Brothers (Sacramento, California), Bell caught 73 passes for 818 yards and 20 touchdowns. He also had 12 carries for 102 yards and played defense as well, adding 11 tackles, three pass breakups and an interception on that side of the ball.

Juju Lewis to Phillip Bell at USC would FEED FAMILIES. Fight On pic.twitter.com/XNXo6ICIVa

— Serb (@PlayBoiTrojan) May 24, 2024

He then totaled 56 receptions for 644 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior, leading Mission Viejo to a CIF Division 1-AA title and a Southern Section Division 2 crown.

In his senior season, Bell had 46 catches for 542 yards and six touchdowns. While the numbers weren't there on paper, he continued to make plays time and time again.

Welcome to Columbus, Phillip Bell pic.twitter.com/RG727ZXmfM

— Swish (@swishxvibes) December 15, 2024

Immediate Impact

While he isn’t a burner in terms of speed, Bell has the catch radius, route-running ability, body control and size to be a weapon on the outside for Ohio State, especially in the red zone. He showcased that on the last play of the spring game.

Ohio State true freshman QB Tavien St. Clair was given a chance to execute the RZ offense with 20 seconds on the clock in the 4th quarter of the spring game.

St. Clair went 3-of-3 and dialed up this TD pass to fellow first year, WR Phillip Bell, on the game's final play. pic.twitter.com/uwzw6XG6G9

— Andy Backstrom (@andybackstrom) April 12, 2025

Bell‘s ability to create separation while quickly changing directions is the part of his game he has always leaned on.

With that, he will spend his first season in Columbus developing behind the likes of Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss and others, perfecting his craft even more. While he likely won't be on the two-deep as a freshman, he could push for a spot in the rotation as a sophomore if he develops as expected in his first season in Columbus.

Long-Term Impact

Becoming a starter in Ohio State's loaded wide receiver room is quite a feat. It takes a special talent and player. But Bell has the skill set to eventually become that.

While his size makes it seem like he will be on the outside, his route-running skill and quickness could allow OSU to line him up anywhere at wide receiver. That versatility will help him get on the field sooner.

Player Comparison: Emeka Egbuka

Throughout his four years as a Buckeye, Egbuka was never the No. 1 receiver. Yet living up to the standard that he set in Columbus, including the most career receptions (205) and the second-most receiving yards (2,868) in Ohio State history, will be quite tough.

That said, Bell's physical traits paired with his versatility and playmaking ability are reminiscent of the 19th overall pick in April's NFL draft. Even Ryan Day compared the freshman to Egbuka on signing day.

“Phillip Bell has had a challenging fall, has been through some different things, but is very mature," Day said of Bell last December. "Our comp for him is probably Emeka, just with his physicality and the way he plays. He could line up inside or outside as well. So, again, versatility with him.” 

While Bell must do a lot to accomplish what Egbuka did during his four years at Ohio State, Day’s comparison is telling of how much the Buckeyes believe in his potential.