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Baker Mayfield gets very honest about former Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka and Buckeye Nation should respect it

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 1:08 PM ET

There was a time when Ohio State fans weren’t too fond of former Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield. Following a Sooners win over the Buckeyes in Columbus in 2017, Mayfield planted an Oklahoma flag at midfield — a moment that left a lasting impression — and may still.

Eight years later, Mayfield has played for four NFL teams and has found a home in Tampa Bay with the Buccaneers. Interestingly, one of his new weapons is a former Buckeye fan favorite.

Baker Mayfield already impressed by Former Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka

Looking around the NFL, it’s hard to find a more talented wide receiver trio than the one in Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers selected Emeka Egbuka in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and he joins veteran stars Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in an already talented receiver room.

Baker ✖️ Emeka is going to be a dangerous combination

️: @SonyElectronics | #ShotOnSony FX3 pic.twitter.com/bGvxgkFzb0
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) June 11, 2025

“At this level, you have to have talent, and he has that, being a first-round pick,” Mayfield said of Egbuka recently. “The thing that sticks out is how cerebral he is. He’s so smart. Right now, I think we could plug-and-play him at every receiver spot … he understands the offense that well. That’s just him being a pro already. He’s not a rookie — he doesn’t act like it, at least.”

None of this will surprise Ohio State fans. Egbuka recorded two 1,000-yard seasons in Columbus and showed his pro-like approach from the moment he stepped on campus as a freshman in 2021. The receiver room was stacked, so he had to wait his turn, but he broke out in 2022 with 1,151 receiving yards.

Egbuka left Ohio State with more career receptions than any player in school history. His 205 catches now stand as the Buckeyes’ all-time record.

While the Buccaneers won’t need Egbuka to put up huge numbers right away, don’t be surprised if he quickly becomes a key target for Mayfield and has a strong rookie season in 2025.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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