Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver put on notice heading into 2025 season, facing increased competition and pressure to step up after key departures.

As Ohio State University prepares for the 2025 college football season, the stakes are high for its wide receivers. For years, the Buckeyes’ passing game has been a pillar of their success, with a rich tradition of producing NFL-caliber wideouts. However, entering 2025, the Buckeyes’ receiving corps is facing significant changes, and several players, including established veterans and emerging talents, are feeling the heat to step up. With key departures, including high-profile wideouts Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State’s passing game will need new stars to emerge, and the pressure is now on.

The loss of Harrison Jr. and Egbuka, two of the most dynamic receivers in college football, creates an opportunity for other players to claim the mantle. While Ohio State still boasts a strong offensive system led by Ryan Day and CJ Stroud’s successor at quarterback, the road to success in 2025 will require certain receivers to elevate their game. With new competition for spots, several wideouts will be put on notice as they look to prove their worth and solidify their place in the Buckeyes’ offense.

In this article, we will examine the current state of Ohio State’s wide receiver room, the challenges they face in replacing two major talents, and the players who are under the most pressure heading into the 2025 season.

The Legacy of Ohio State’s Wide Receiver Position

Ohio State has long been known for producing top-tier wide receivers. From Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, who were selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, to Michael Thomas, Terry McLaurin, and Jalin Marshall, the Buckeyes’ program has consistently developed elite talent at the position. The wide receiver room in Columbus is often regarded as one of the most coveted in college football, not only for the level of talent but also for the opportunity to play in a high-powered offense that regularly ranks among the nation’s best.

Over the past few years, Marvin Harrison Jr. emerged as one of the most dominant wide receivers in college football. His size, route running, and ball skills were unmatched, making him a top target for whichever quarterback Ohio State put under center. Alongside Emeka Egbuka, another elite talent, Harrison Jr. helped form one of the most formidable receiving duos in the country. Their ability to stretch the field, make contested catches, and break big plays was central to Ohio State’s offensive identity.

Harrison Jr. and Egbuka’s performances in the 2023 and 2024 seasons set the bar incredibly high for Ohio State’s wideouts moving forward. However, with both players now off to the NFL, the team is facing a significant rebuilding process at the position, creating both challenges and opportunities for the players remaining on the roster.

The Loss of Key Playmakers: Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka

The loss of Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka can’t be overstated. Harrison Jr., the son of NFL Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, was a consensus All-American and one of the best wide receivers in college football over the past two seasons. He finished his career at Ohio State with over 3,000 yards and 35 touchdowns, consistently putting up dominant numbers against top-tier competition. Harrison Jr. was a deep threat, a red-zone target, and a go-to receiver on third downs — essentially the focal point of the passing game.

Similarly, Emeka Egbuka was a standout in his own right. Although he wasn’t as highly touted as Harrison Jr., Egbuka proved to be a versatile and reliable target for CJ Stroud, excelling as both a deep threat and a possession receiver. In 2024, Egbuka posted career-high numbers and proved to be a clutch performer, particularly in Ohio State’s victories over rivals such as Michigan and Penn State.

Losing these two players leaves a massive void in Ohio State’s wide receiver room. While there is talent remaining on the roster, the absence of two top-tier playmakers means that new faces will have to step up and assume leadership roles. The challenge is not just about filling the statistical gap, but also about replicating the level of consistency, toughness, and big-play ability that both Harrison Jr. and Egbuka brought to the field each game.

The Increased Pressure on Ohio State’s Remaining Wideouts

With Harrison Jr. and Egbuka no longer in the picture, the pressure to perform in 2025 is now on the shoulders of the remaining wide receivers, some of whom have yet to prove themselves at the highest level. Julian Fleming, Xavier Johnson, and a group of younger players will be tasked with replacing the productivity of two of the best wide receivers in recent Ohio State history.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the wide receivers who are most “on notice” heading into the 2025 season:

Julian Fleming: The Veteran with Unfulfilled Potential

Julian Fleming, a former five-star recruit and one of the most highly anticipated players in the 2020 class, has had an up-and-down career at Ohio State. Coming into the program with immense expectations, Fleming has had moments of brilliance but has struggled to stay consistent in a crowded wide receiver room. Injuries have also played a role in limiting his production, but in 2025, the Pennsylvania native has the opportunity to finally break out as one of the top receivers for the Buckeyes.

At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, Fleming possesses the ideal size and athleticism to be a dominant outside receiver. His speed and ability to make contested catches were evident during his high school days, and his development over the past few years in the program has helped him refine his game. However, as Ohio State looks for a new leader in the wide receiver room, Fleming will need to prove that he can handle the burden of being the primary playmaker.

The pressure on Fleming is immense. If he fails to take that next step in 2025, it will raise questions about his ability to live up to the potential that many saw in him when he first arrived at Ohio State. He has the talent, but the real challenge will be consistency — making big plays when the team needs it most and becoming the reliable target that CJ Stroud’s successor can trust.

Xavier Johnson: The Swiss Army Knife of the Receiver Room

Xavier Johnson, who has contributed in a variety of roles for Ohio State over the years, is another wide receiver who faces heightened expectations entering 2025. Known for his versatility, Johnson has played not only at wide receiver but also on special teams and in other specialized roles. He has been a reliable performer for Ohio State in the past, often coming up with clutch catches in important games.

However, Johnson is now being asked to take on a bigger role in the offense. As an experienced player who has been with the program for several years, the pressure is on him to step up and become a go-to target for Ohio State’s next quarterback. Johnson’s ability to create mismatches with his quickness, savvy route running, and physicality will be key to his success in this new role.

Given his experience, Johnson might be one of the more reliable options for Ohio State’s offense in 2025. However, there is a fine line between being a solid role player and stepping into a lead role. If he can elevate his game, Johnson could provide a much-needed veteran presence in a relatively inexperienced wide receiver room.

The Young Guns: A New Generation of Playmakers

In addition to Fleming and Johnson, Ohio State has a host of younger wide receivers looking to make their mark. With the departure of Harrison Jr. and Egbuka, it opens the door for players like Carnell Tate, Brandon Innis, and Kojo Antwi to prove they belong.

• Carnell Tate, a freshman from Chicago, has been highly touted as one of the best wide receiver recruits in the 2025 class. With blazing speed and natural ball skills, Tate has the potential to become an immediate contributor for Ohio State. The challenge will be for him to adapt quickly to the physicality and speed of the college game.
• Brandon Innis, another highly regarded freshman, is known for his route-running precision and ability to make plays in the red zone. Innis could be an ideal fit for Ohio State’s offense, especially in third-down and goal-line situations.
• Kojo Antwi, who has shown flashes of brilliance in spring practices, is also a player to watch in 2025. Antwi’s blend of size and speed makes him a potential matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.

These younger receivers are under a lot of pressure to prove themselves early in their careers, but with the right development, they could take on significant roles in the offense as the season progresses.

The Importance of the Quarterback: Finding Chemistry in the Passing Game

As the wide receivers face increased pressure, it’s also important to acknowledge the role of Ohio State’s new quarterback in shaping the offense. With CJ Stroud now in the NFL, the Buckeyes will be transitioning to a new signal-caller. This is a critical factor in the development of the wide receiver corps. The success of the passing game will hinge on how quickly the quarterback can build chemistry with the wideouts.

Whether it’s Kyle McCord or Devin Brown under center, the quarterback will need to establish trust

and timing with the receivers early in the season. The new signal-caller’s ability to get the ball to these players in the right spots will play a significant role in how quickly the offense can find its rhythm.

A Defining Season for Ohio State’s Wide Receivers

As the 2025 season approaches, Ohio State’s wide receiver room is facing a turning point. The departure of Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka leaves a substantial gap that must be filled by the remaining players. For Julian Fleming, Xavier Johnson, and the younger players like Carnell Tate and Brandon Innis, the pressure to step up is immense. This will be a defining year for these wideouts as they look to establish themselves as the next generation of Ohio State’s storied receiver tradition.

The road ahead will be challenging, but with the right development, leadership, and execution, Ohio State’s passing game can remain one of the best in the country. The wide receivers have the talent, but they must rise to the occasion — proving they can carry the torch and make big plays when the Buckeyes need them most. The stage is set for them to shine, and the expectations have never been higher.