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Buccaneers WR Emeka Egbuka Announces Personal News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Jan 3, 2026 4:33 PM ET

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Week 18 matchup on Saturday against the Carolina Panthers carries heavy implications. If the Buccaneers take care of business at home, they will secure the NFC South division title and advance to the NFL playoffs.

To do so, they will need rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka to step up and be a key contributor on offense.

The 23-year-old has slowed down in recent weeks, recording only one 50-plus-yard performance over his past seven games. Even so, his rookie campaign has been a success.

Egbuka enters Week 18’s matchup with Carolina having hauled in 62 receptions on 124 targets, good for 930 yards and six touchdowns. He now sits just 70 yards shy of reaching the coveted 1,000-yard mark in his debut season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2)Brett Davis-Imagn Images

On Friday, just one day before gametime, Egbuka had a personal announcement to share. He revealed that he had gotten engaged to his longtime partner, Laney Matriano, and the two posted a collaborative message on Instagram.

The slideshow featured photos of the proposal and the moment Matriano said yes, accompanied by a heartfelt caption, “Everything we prayed for and more Mark 10:9 ‘Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.’”

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Matriano, a standout soccer player at Notre Dame, and Egbuka now step into life together as a professional athlete duo. The engagement marks a special milestone in his personal life, coming right before the biggest game of his rookie season.

For Egbuka, it was a reminder of balance between life off the field and the pressure of performing on it, as he prepares to help the Buccaneers secure a playoff berth on Saturday.

Emeka Egbuka Could Define the Buccaneers’ Offensive Future

Egbuka’s journey up until this point has been notable. Selected by the Buccaneers in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Egbuka arrived in Tampa Bay with high expectations after a decorated career at Ohio State.

As a Buckeye, he developed into one of the nation’s most reliable receivers, showcasing elite route-running, strong hands and the ability to perform on the biggest stages. He finished his college career with multiple standout seasons, including a breakout year that cemented his status as a top prospect.

Transitioning to the pros, Egbuka quickly earned the trust of the Buccaneers’ coaching staff, carving out a significant role in the offense and proving he could translate his college success to the NFL.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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