Look, Ohio State has become a wide receiver factory. It's not just a pipeline; it's a superhighway to the NFL Draft's first round. Since 2022, we've seen five Buckeyes hear their name called on Day 1. That's a ridiculous run, and it makes you wonder how future stars like Carnell Tate will stack up. Tate, a projected top-tier talent for the 2026 class, has all the tools, but the bar has been set astronomically high. Let's break down the guys who've already made the leap.
Garrett Wilson kicked off this golden era, going 10th overall to the New York Jets in 2022. He immediately proved his worth, snagging 83 receptions for 1,103 yards and four touchdowns in his rookie season, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. His ability to create separation and make contested catches was evident from day one. Right after Wilson, Chris Olave went 11th overall to the New Orleans Saints. Olave put up 72 catches for 1,042 yards and three scores as a rookie. He’s a smoother route runner than Wilson, with a knack for getting deep, evidenced by his 14.5 yards per reception in 2023. Both guys hit the ground running, topping 1,000 yards in their first year. That’s rare air for rookie wideouts.
Then came Jaxon Smith-Njigba in 2023, picked 20th by the Seattle Seahawks. Coming off an injury-shortened final season at Ohio State, where he only played three games, there were questions. But in 2021, he exploded for 1,606 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, including a record-setting 347 yards in the Rose Bowl against Utah. His rookie year in Seattle saw him grab 63 passes for 628 yards and four touchdowns. He’s more of a slot maestro, a chain-mover, and his ceiling is still incredibly high once he becomes the undisputed top target.
Marvin Harrison Jr. was the most recent Buckeye receiver to dominate draft headlines, going fourth overall to the Arizona Cardinals in April 2024. He’s arguably the most complete receiver to come out of Columbus in this run, with back-to-back 1,200-yard seasons for the Buckeyes in 2022 and 2023. He finished his collegiate career with 155 receptions for 2,613 yards and 31 touchdowns. Harrison’s blend of size, speed, and elite body control makes him a truly special prospect, the kind of player who can transform an offense immediately.
Emeka Egbuka, who will likely join this elite club in 2025, is another high-volume target. He posted 74 catches for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022, proving he can be a top option even alongside Harrison. Egbuka's versatility, ability to play inside and out, and his return skills make him incredibly valuable. He's got reliable hands and runs crisp routes.
Here's the thing: while all these guys are phenomenal, I think Smith-Njigba is actually the most technically refined route runner of the bunch. His footwork and ability to manipulate defensive backs are elite, even if his NFL production hasn't yet matched Wilson or Olave. Given time and a clear WR1 role, he'll be a monster.
Carnell Tate, the potential 2026 WR1, has the physical gifts. At 6-foot-2, he possesses excellent size and a smooth athleticism that pops on film. He enrolled early at Ohio State and showed flashes in his freshman year, including a touchdown against Western Kentucky. The talent is undeniable, but he’s got to put up the kind of numbers Harrison and Egbuka did in college to truly cement himself as the next great Buckeye. He’ll need to demonstrate consistent separation and ball skills against top Big Ten corners.
My bold prediction? When it's all said and done, Garrett Wilson will have the most productive NFL career of this entire group, largely due to his relentless competitive drive and ability to thrive even in less-than-ideal offensive situations.