This is the third in a series looking at how the Buckeyes will be replacing their departed starters in 2025. Up next is the slot receiver spot vacated by senior Emeka Egbuka.
Emeka Egbuka isn’t just Ohio State’s all-time leading receiver (205), and he isn’t just the first Buckeye in school history with multiple 70-reception seasons. Sure, he’s second in school history in receiving yardage (2,868) and tied for seventh in touchdown catches (24, Brian Robiskie), but he’s also one of the best leaders and workers a position room could hope to have.
As a senior slot receiver in 2024, Egbuka caught a team-high 81 passes for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also had at least five receptions in each of Ohio State’s four playoff games, and caught at least one pass in 40-consecutive games in which he played.
Yes, the numbers are going to be difficult to replace, but Egbuka’s mastery of route running and manipulation are going to be missed. Anything that receivers coach Brian Hartline needed, Egbuka could provide. He worked both inside and outside and did all of it with a team-first attitude.
He never got the shine that he deserved and he never seemed to mind. At a position that often features me-first players, Emeka Egbuka has always been about the team. Whoever replaces him will need to be the same way. Fortunately, Egbuka left behind an incredible example for the teammates who will be trying to replace him in 2025.
The Candidates
Ohio State will return starting outside receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, but both will also get work in the slot as the players are moved about, looking for advantages against opposing defenses. Redshirt sophomores Brandon Inniss and Bryson Rodgers both saw action in the slot this past season.
Redshirt freshman Mylan Graham could eventually work his way into the mix in the slot, but is currently focused outside. Incoming freshman Phillip Bell was compared to Emeka Egbuka by head coach Ryan Day because of his ability to play inside or outside. Classmate De’zie Jones is likely the true slot receiver in this class
Spring Outlook
None of the candidates set to replace Emeka Egbuka played so many reps in 2024 that they’ll need to take it easy during spring practice. Brandon Inniss and Bryson Rodgers are the next two up in terms of experience and playing time. Rodgers could also factor in as an outside receiver as well.
With two fields going at the same time, both Inniss and Rodgers should get their fill of work. Inniss saw some important snaps in the playoffs and came through when called upon. Rodgers has been lauded for his route running and the fact that targets in his direction in practice rarely come up empty.
This will also be a great opportunity for De’Zie Jones and Phillip Bell to get a ton of reps, should Bell start out inside. Incoming freshman running back Turbo Rogers could also factor in given his history in high school as a talented playmaker in the slot.
Best Bet
Brandon Inniss played the fourth-most snaps (195) among the receivers last year, followed by Bryson Rodgers (163), which means both of those guys are moving up the ladder with Emeka Egbuka’s departure.
Inniss caught 14 passes for 176 yards and one touchdown in 2024. Rodgers added five catches for 46 yards. Both players are going to increase those numbers this coming season.
Inniss is the more known quantity in the slot right now. The playing time and production bear that out. Rodgers is going to get his shot, however, and he should be in the mix all season long.
2 comments
A To Z Thoughts On The 2025 Ohio State Spring Game
Buckeyes Likely To Keep Eye On Portal In Search Of Defensive Line Help
Receiver Mylan Graham Could Be ‘Next Great One’ For Buckeyes
2025 Ohio State Spring Game Box Score
2026 WR Brock Boyd Commits To Ohio State
Behind The Scenes Of Ohio State’s White House Visit
Spring Recap: Did Buckeyes Find Help For Caleb Downs At Safety?
Five-Star Ohio State Targets Set Commitment Dates, Notes from the Road