Emeka Egbuka returning to Ohio State in 2024: WR gives new-look offense veteran presence, blue-chip pedigree

Egbuka had 41 catches for 515 yards and four touchdowns last season despite battling injuries

By Barrett Sallee Jan 11, 2024 at 11:49 am ET• 1 min read

Ohio State's offense got a big boost on Thursday when wide receiver Emeka Egbuka announced on his Instagram account that he will return to the Buckeyes for his senior season. Egbuka had 41 catches for 515 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games last season while fighting through an ankle injury. The Buckeyes finished the regular season with an 11-1 record and berth in the Cotton Bowl.

"During my time thus far at Ohio State, I have grown and learned more than I thought possible," Egbuka wrote. "These last three years have come with trials and tribulations but overwhelming joy as well. Over the last couple 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."

His return will give new quarterback Will Howard a trusted option outside as Howard adjusts to the Buckeyes after transferring from Kansas State. Howard is much more of a dual-threat than his predecessor, Kyle McCord, with nearly 3,000 yards of total offense and 30 touchdowns accounted for in 2023. If Egbuka can get back into his 2022 form and stretch the field, it will prevent safeties from creeping up against the run. That will allow Howard and Ole Miss transfer Quinshon Judkins plenty of room to do work on the ground.