Ohio State's label as “Wide Receiver U” has never been more true.
In the latest bit of recognition for an Ohio State wide receiver playing in the pros, Emeka Egbuka took home NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month honors following a fantastic first four games with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Egbuka has already racked up 18 receptions for 282 yards and four touchdowns, putting him on pace for a 1,000-yard receiving season in his first NFL campaign. He leads all rookies in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. His career began with a bang, hauling in two touchdowns, including a game-winner with 59 seconds left, in his debut against the Atlanta Falcons.
Make that for @EgbukaEmeka
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 7, 2025
: #TBvsATL on FOX pic.twitter.com/17FJYxyE4v
A highlight-reel 77-yard touchdown catch and run boosted Egbuka to his first career 100-yard receiving game in his most recent outing against the Philadelphia Eagles, as he finished with four catches for 101 yards and the touchdown. Tampa Bay is off to a 3-1 start with his help, leading the NFC South by one game over the Falcons.
THREAD. THE. NEEDLE.
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 28, 2025
: #PHIvsTB on FOX pic.twitter.com/PvzwofE9hY
Egbuka was drafted No. 19 overall by the Buccaneers in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft, marking the fourth straight year a wide receiver from Brian Hartline's room at Ohio State was selected in the first round. The Buckeyes have had five total receivers taken on day one in that four-year stretch, six if you include Jameson Williams, who spent his first two collegiate seasons at Ohio State before transferring to Alabama for his third and final. One of those first-round selections, Garrett Wilson, won NFL Rookie of the Year honors with the New York Jets in 2022.
Egbuka is on track to follow in his footsteps.
