Could Ohio State football lose its two best wide receivers?

The Ohio State Buckeyes are consistently one of the top programs in college football, and their offense, which has produced some of the most explosive playmakers in the nation, is a key reason for that success. At the center of their offensive firepower in recent years has been their wide receiver corps, which has featured a collection of elite talent. The wide receiver position at Ohio State has become synonymous with NFL-caliber prospects, with names like Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba all recent examples of standout Buckeyes who have gone on to shine in the NFL. However, heading into the 2025 season, there is growing concern about the future of Ohio State’s top two wide receivers. The potential loss of these key players could have a massive impact on the team’s offense and its championship aspirations.

In this article, we will explore the possibility that Ohio State could lose its two best wide receivers—Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka—to the NFL Draft, and what such a loss would mean for the Buckeyes as they look ahead to the future.

The Case for Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka’s NFL Draft Potential

Ohio State’s wide receiver room is once again stacked with talent, and two of the most prominent players in the unit are Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. Both players have become household names in the college football world due to their electrifying performances and undeniable talent. Let’s take a look at each of them and why they could be on the verge of declaring for the NFL Draft.

Marvin Harrison Jr.: A Generational Talent

Marvin Harrison Jr. has already established himself as one of the top wide receivers in the country and arguably one of the best to ever play for Ohio State. The son of Hall of Fame wide receiver Marvin Harrison, he has followed in his father’s footsteps, showcasing an exceptional skill set that combines excellent route-running, high football IQ, and explosive playmaking ability. Harrison has been the focal point of the Buckeyes’ passing game, and with every season, he continues to elevate his stock in the eyes of NFL scouts.

At 6’4” and 205 pounds, Harrison possesses the ideal physical tools to succeed in the NFL. His ability to track the ball, create separation with his speed and agility, and make contested catches in critical moments has made him an undeniable force for Ohio State. With the potential to be selected as a top-5 pick in the NFL Draft, Harrison Jr. is a generational talent who has the ability to change the course of a game with just one play.

As one of the most coveted wide receiver prospects in recent years, it would not be surprising if Harrison decides to declare for the NFL Draft after the 2024 season. His combination of size, speed, and skill is exactly what NFL teams are looking for in a wide receiver, and he has the potential to make an immediate impact at the next level.

Emeka Egbuka: A Playmaker in His Own Right

While Harrison has garnered much of the attention, Emeka Egbuka has quietly become one of the most dangerous wide receivers in the country. The 6’1”, 205-pound receiver has been a consistent playmaker for Ohio State, impressing both as a deep threat and a possession receiver. Egbuka has shown the ability to make difficult catches in traffic, break tackles, and stretch the field with his explosive speed.

Egbuka’s skill set complements Harrison’s perfectly, and together, the two form one of the most dynamic receiving duos in college football. Egbuka has been especially effective on deep routes, where he can use his acceleration to blow past defenders and make big plays. His versatility as a receiver allows him to be used in various roles within Ohio State’s offense, making him a valuable weapon for the Buckeyes.

Similar to Harrison, Egbuka is generating a lot of buzz in the NFL scouting community. He has shown the ability to contribute both as a vertical threat and a reliable target on intermediate routes, making him an appealing option for NFL teams looking for a well-rounded receiver. If he continues his stellar play into the 2024 season, it would not be a surprise if he decides to forgo his remaining eligibility and enter the NFL Draft, where he is projected to be a first-round selection.

The Impact of Losing Harrison and Egbuka

If Ohio State were to lose both Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka to the NFL Draft, the consequences for the program could be significant. The Buckeyes would be losing not only two of their best players but also the centerpieces of their offensive attack. To understand the magnitude of this potential loss, let’s break down the impact in several key areas.

1. Offensive Production and Chemistry

The biggest immediate concern for Ohio State would be the loss of the production that Harrison and Egbuka provide. Over the past few seasons, they have formed an explosive tandem, with Harrison emerging as the team’s top target and Egbuka complementing him as a dynamic second option. The duo has been crucial to the success of Ohio State’s high-powered passing attack, and without them, the Buckeyes would need to find replacements who can replicate that level of production.

In addition to their individual statistics, the chemistry that both receivers have with Ohio State’s quarterbacks, particularly Kyle McCord, has been vital to the team’s offensive success. The Buckeyes’ passing game is built around precise timing and trust between the quarterback and his wide receivers. Losing two key players who have developed this connection would create an adjustment period for whichever receivers step up into those roles.

2. Recruiting Impact and Development of Young Receivers

One of the key strengths of Ohio State’s football program has been its ability to recruit elite talent, especially at the wide receiver position. While the loss of Harrison and Egbuka would certainly create a void, the Buckeyes have an impressive group of young wide receivers waiting in the wings, including Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss, and Jayden Ballard, among others. These players will need to step up and prove they can perform at a high level in the absence of two future NFL stars.

Additionally, Ohio State’s ability to recruit top-tier wide receivers could be influenced by the loss of Harrison and Egbuka. While Ohio State remains one of the top destinations for high school wideouts, the departure of two key players in one offseason could create uncertainty about the program’s immediate future at the position. That said, the Buckeyes have a deep pool of talent in their recruiting pipeline, so while the loss of these two receivers would hurt, Ohio State’s future at the position may still be bright.

3. Quarterback Play and Offensive Balance

While C.J. Stroud has since moved on to the NFL, Kyle McCord will take over as the full-time starter at quarterback in 2024. McCord has shown flashes of brilliance during his time as a backup, but he will face immense pressure to carry the offense as the starting quarterback. Losing his two best wide receivers would make McCord’s job significantly harder, as he would have to rely on less experienced options to get the job done.

Moreover, Ohio State’s offense is built around balance, with the ability to mix the run and pass effectively. Losing Harrison and Egbuka could put added pressure on the run game, forcing Miyan Williams and Travon Henderson to carry more of the load. This could, in turn, affect the team’s offensive identity, as the Buckeyes would need to adjust their scheme to account for the lack of explosive pass catchers.

4. Big Ten and National Championship Aspirations

The ultimate goal for Ohio State football each season is to compete for a College Football Playoff spot and ultimately win a national championship. With the loss of two key playmakers like Harrison and Egbuka, the Buckeyes’ chances of making a run at the championship could be compromised. The Big Ten, particularly with the emergence of teams like Michigan and Penn State, has become increasingly competitive, and losing these two dynamic receivers could make Ohio State’s offense less potent against top-tier teams.

Ohio State has built its reputation on a high-powered offense, and with its offense in flux due to the loss of two star wideouts, the Buckeyes could find themselves vulnerable in key matchups. The ability to consistently move the ball and score against elite defenses will be even more difficult without the playmaking ability of Harrison and Egbuka.

What Would Ohio State Need to Do to Overcome Their Loss?

While the potential loss of both Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka would undoubtedly create challenges, Ohio State has the resources to overcome it. The first step would be for the team to identify the next stars at wide receiver. Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss, and others would need to develop quickly and prove they are ready for the spotlight. Ohio State’s coaches would have to ensure these young players are prepared to take on significant roles in the offense.

Additionally, Ohio State’s coaching staff would likely need to adapt the offensive scheme to better suit the strengths of the remaining receivers. This could involve leaning more heavily on the run game or incorporating shorter, quick-strike passing plays to maintain offensive efficiency.

A Turning Point for Ohio State Football

The potential loss of Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka to the NFL Draft would be a major blow to Ohio State football. These two players are critical to the Buckeyes’ offensive success and their national championship aspirations. While Ohio State has the talent and resources to reload at the wide receiver position, the departure of such high-level playmakers would create significant uncertainty. Ultimately, the future of Ohio State football may depend on how well they handle this potential loss and whether they can develop the next generation of wide receivers to maintain their status as one of the top programs in the nation.