Ohio State WR opts out of 2024 NFL Draft, returns for senior season

The Ohio State Buckeyes have several players who can, and likely will, declare for the 2024 NFL Draft. But one of their top playmakers decided to postpone his trip to the pros another year on Thursday.

WR Emeka Egbuka announced that he is returning to Ohio State for his senior season instead of declaring for the NFL Draft.

"During my time thus far at Ohio State I have grown and learned more than I thought was possible. These last three years have come with trials and tribulations but overwhelming joy as well," Egbuka wrote. "I am returning for my senior year at Ohio State. I'm looking forward to what this new year will behold!"

Egbuka's decision, although somewhat surprising, does make sense. The 21-year-old had a down year, posting just 41 catches for 515 yards and four touchdowns, after having 74 catches for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022.

The 6-foot-1, 206-pound wide receiver ranks as Pro Football Focus' eighth-best player at his position and the No. 39 overall prospect on its big board. However, Egbuka has a great opportunity to better his draft stock in 2024.

He had been overshadowed by WR Marvin Harrison Jr., who had 67 receptions for 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns, for most of the season. But Harrison Jr. is expected to declare for the NFL Draft as he's ranked as PFF's No. 2 overall prospect just behind USC QB Caleb Williams.

With Harrison Jr. gone, Egbuka can establish himself as the Buckeyes' No. 1 wide receiver and prove to NFL teams he can be exactly that for them in 2025 and beyond.

Egbuka isn't Ohio State's only player returning either. Guard Donovan Jackson and cornerbacks Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock have also announced their plans to return, which certainly gives the Buckeyes a belief they can fight for a national title next season.