Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka Declares for the 2025 NFL Draft

February 10, 2025

After an illustrious college career with the Ohio State Buckeyes, standout wide receiver Emeka Egbuka has officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. The former five-star recruit made the announcement following Ohio State’s College Football Playoff National Championship victory over Notre Dame, solidifying his status as one of the top receiving prospects in this year’s draft class.

Egbuka, a dynamic playmaker with elite route-running ability, speed, and strong hands, will now set his sights on the professional level, where he is projected to be a first-round pick. His decision to declare comes after three highly productive seasons in Columbus, during which he became a key weapon in Ohio State’s high-powered offense.

A Look at Emeka Egbuka’s Career at Ohio State

Egbuka arrived at Ohio State as one of the most highly touted recruits in the country, ranked as the No. 1 wide receiver in the 2021 recruiting class. Coming out of Steilacoom, Washington, he chose Ohio State over offers from schools like Alabama, Clemson, and Oklahoma, drawn by the Buckeyes’ strong history of developing NFL-caliber receivers.

Although he played a limited role in his freshman season, Egbuka quickly became one of the Buckeyes’ top targets in 2022 and beyond. Playing alongside stars like Marvin Harrison Jr., he developed into a complete receiver capable of winning with speed, precise routes, and toughness after the catch.

His college career stats showcase his consistent production and growth:

Career Stats at Ohio State

Egbuka’s best statistical season came in 2022, when he racked up over 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns, playing alongside Marvin Harrison Jr.. After a slight dip in production in 2023 due to injuries, he rebounded strongly in 2024, helping lead Ohio State to a national championship.

Why is Emeka Egbuka Declaring for the NFL Draft?

Several factors played into Egbuka’s decision to forego his final year of eligibility and turn professional:

1. First-Round Draft Potential

Egbuka is widely projected as a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With NFL teams valuing technically sound, versatile receivers, he has positioned himself as one of the top WRs available.

2. Proven College Production

With over 2,500 career receiving yards, Egbuka has proven his ability to succeed against top competition. His experience playing in big games, including the College Football Playoff, makes him a polished prospect.

3. Ohio State’s Receiver Pipeline

Ohio State has a history of developing elite wide receivers for the NFL, including Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Egbuka now follows in their footsteps, with many scouts believing he could have an immediate impact at the next level.

4. NFL-Ready Skill Set

Egbuka’s route-running ability, hands, and football IQ make him a pro-ready receiver. Unlike some college stars who need time to develop, he is expected to contribute immediately for an NFL team.

NFL Draft Outlook – Where Could Egbuka Land?

With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, speculation is growing about where Egbuka will land. Most mock drafts project him as a late first-round or early second-round pick, depending on team needs and how the draft board falls.

Some teams that could be a great fit for Egbuka include:

1. New England Patriots (#17 Pick)

• The Patriots need offensive playmakers to help their young quarterback. Egbuka’s polished route running and versatility could make him an ideal target for New England.

2. Buffalo Bills (#23 Pick)

• With Stefon Diggs aging, the Bills could use another dynamic receiver alongside Josh Allen. Egbuka’s ability to play inside and outside makes him a strong fit.

3. Kansas City Chiefs (#28 Pick)

• The Super Bowl champions are always looking for reliable receivers to pair with Patrick Mahomes. Egbuka’s smooth route running would complement the Chiefs’ high-powered offense.

4. San Francisco 49ers (#30 Pick)

• If the 49ers lose Brandon Aiyuk in free agency, Egbuka could step in and be a perfect complement to Deebo Samuel and George Kittle.

Scouting Report: Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

✔ Elite Route Running – One of the best route runners in the draft, with sharp cuts and deception.
✔ Strong Hands – Rarely drops passes and excels in contested-catch situations.
✔ Versatility – Can play outside or in the slot, making him a flexible weapon.
✔ NFL-Ready IQ – Understands defensive schemes and finds soft spots in coverage.

Weaknesses

✖ Top-End Speed – While fast, he doesn’t have the elite breakaway speed of some WRs.
✖ Injury Concerns – Missed games in 2023 due to injuries, though he returned strong in 2024.
✖ Needs to Improve Against Press Coverage – Can struggle at times against physical DBs.

Reaction from Coaches, Analysts, and Fans

Egbuka’s decision to declare for the NFL Draft has generated significant buzz in the football world.

Ohio State Head Coach Ryan Day praised Egbuka’s impact on the program, saying:
“Emeka has been a tremendous leader for our team and a great example of what it means to be a Buckeye. He’s got everything it takes to succeed at the next level, and we couldn’t be prouder of him.”

NFL Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah weighed in on Egbuka’s draft stock:
“He’s one of the most technically sound receivers in this class. He may not be the fastest guy on the field, but his ability to separate and make tough catches makes him a surefire first-round pick.”

Ohio State fans took to social media to congratulate Egbuka, with many expressing excitement to see him succeed in the NFL.

What’s Next for Emeka Egbuka?

Now that he has declared for the NFL Draft, Egbuka will begin preparing for the NFL Combine and Pro Day. These events will be crucial for him to:

✅ Showcase his speed and agility in testing drills
✅ Impress scouts with his hands and route-running in positional workouts
✅ Meet with NFL teams in interviews to discuss his football IQ and work ethic

Egbuka is expected to train with top NFL coaches and former players leading up to draft day, ensuring he is in peak shape when teams evaluate him.

Final Thoughts

Emeka Egbuka’s decision to enter the 2025 NFL Draft is a huge milestone in his football career. As one of the most polished receivers in the draft class, he has a chance to be a first-round pick and make an immediate impact in the NFL.

With a proven track record at Ohio State, elite route-running skills, and a championship pedigree, Egbuka is ready to take his game to the next level. Now, all eyes will be on his performance at the NFL Combine and his journey to the NFL Draft in April 2025.

Stay tuned for more updates on Emeka Egbuka’s draft process and potential landing spots!