The Ohio State Buckeyes certainly had a disappointing end to the 2023 college football season as they fell to their archival Michigan Wolverines in the final regular season game of the season before ultimately falling to the Missouri Tigers in the Cotton Bowl by a score of 14-3. But the Buckeyes got some good news about the coming season on Thursday morning.
In a post on Instagram, Ohio State Buckeyes star wide receiver Emeka Egbuka announced that he will be returning to Ohio State for another season instead of declaring for the NFL Draft.
“During my time thus far at Ohio State I have grown and learned more than I thought possible. These last three years have come with trials and tribulation but overwhelming joy as well,” Egbuka said in his post.
“Over the last couple of weeks as I continued to pray and seek the Lord on what was in store with my future and throughout all of it, He has remained faithful,” Egbuka continued in his post. “With that being said, I feel that the path He has laid before me has become clear. By His guidance and with ultimate faith in Him, I am returning for my senior year at Ohio State. I’m looking forward to what this new year will behold.”
Heading into the season, Egbuka was widely considered the second-best wide receiver in the country behind only teammate Marvin Harrison Jr. and a potential first-round pick, but injuries and inconsistent quarterback play hampered his production.
Needless to say, this is a major announcement for Ohio State and the NFL world had a lot to say about it.
Did Ohio State finally figure out NIL? Why is everyone coming back?
— Ben Axelrod (@BenAxelrod) January 11, 2024
ohio state is basically going to be a super team next year. lets see how ryan handles it. https://t.co/bYATgieK5a
— Gus (@WashedUpTweeter) January 11, 2024
Needs less than 900 yards to be OSU’s all time leading receiver https://t.co/swmYiaGwCR
— Conner Viers (@cviers) January 11, 2024
In the last week, these players announced a return to Ohio State:
• WR Emeka Egbuka
• DB Denzel Burke
• DB Jordan Hancock
• DB Lathan Ransom
• DL Jack Sawyer
• DL Tyleik Williams
• OL Donovan JacksonAnd added:
• QB Will Howard
• RB Quinshon JudkinsReloaded for 2024. https://t.co/CbfU2m5lun
— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) January 11, 2024
It is shocking how many seniors are coming back next year. https://t.co/o0JsvNUpHx
— David Fisher (@Fish_TBW) January 11, 2024
Necessary coaching changes, addition of Howard, Judkins, and a senior center, most starters returning on defense We’re up up. https://t.co/bi4KE9uZFC
— Ant (@antnasty24) January 11, 2024
Egbuka will likely be considered one of the top returning receivers in the entire country.
