PASADENA, CA — Fresh off a dominating Rose Bowl victory, 41-21, against the Oregon Ducks on New Year’s Day, the Ohio State Buckeyes are looking toward not only the Cotton Bowl but also the ultimate goal of the National Championship game to hoist up that trophy.
The spotlight shines on the Buckeyes players’ stellar performances and the chemistry within their wide receiver group. At the center of this narrative is junior wide receiver leader Emeka Egbuka, who has had a significant influence on and off the field, particularly in mentoring emerging talent in freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
When reflecting on his experience with Smith, Egbuka highlights their mutual growth through competition and camaraderie.
“Yeah, I think that something that Jeremiah was born with was just his innate desire to compete and compete at a very high level and kind of not take anything from anybody,” Egbuka said.
This relentless drive from Smith injected renewed energy into Egbuka’s performance, catalyzing his fourth-year season. “I think when he stepped foot on campus in the winter, we could compete in the weight room. It gave me that spark I needed,” Egbuka added, acknowledging Smith’s impact on his renewed motivation.
Despite his youth, Jeremiah Smith is widely regarded as one of the standout talents in the Ohio State lineup. Egbuka has no doubts about Smith’s potential in the NFL if he were to jump to the NFL after only a year at the collegiate level.
“Yeah, I just believe that with his skill set, he could definitely make it to the next level [NFL],” Egbuka said.
He believes Smith’s journey should involve growth in both physical and mental aspects. “The two more years that he’s gonna have here to be able to develop his body, develop his mind… it’s all gonna be very critical for him at the next level,” Egbuka shared.
The Ohio State wide receiver group has been a beacon of reliability and excellence this season. Egbuka describes the group as “a very trustworthy group,” underscoring the assurance they provide their team and fans.
“I think when the ball’s in the air, we have to make the play. And I think we’ve done that at a very high level,” he said confidently. Their journey isn’t just about past successes and maintaining momentum, with crucial games like the Cotton Bowl shaping their pursuit of a national championship.
This Ohio State wide receiver core, led by seasoned talents like Emeka Egbuka and promising stars like Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, exemplifies the blend of mentorship, competition, and shared goals. This synergy cultivates a powerhouse ready to face any challenge, illustrating why the Buckeyes’ wide receivers are widely respected nationally.
The Buckeyes will face the Texas Longhorns in the College Football Playoff Semifinal (CFP) at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl on January 10 at AT&T Stadium.
