Eric Boggs
On Thursday, standout wide receiver Emeka Egbuka was named to the watch list for the Paul Hornung Award, which honors “the most versatile player in college football.” Additionally, offensive lineman Seth McLaughlin earned a spot on the watch list for the Wuerffel Trophy, which is known as “college football’s premier award for community service.”
Egbuka has demonstrated exceptional versatility throughout his three seasons at Ohio State. Over 33 games, he has amassed 124 receptions for 1,857 yards and 14 touchdowns. Furthermore, he has contributed 16 carries for 112 yards and two touchdowns, 21 kick returns for 605 yards, and 18 punt returns for 98 yards. Egbuka was previously a finalist for the Paul Hornung Award in 2022 and was named to the watch list again in 2023.
McLaughlin, a transfer from Alabama who joined Ohio State in January, appears on the Wuerffel Trophy watch list for the first time in 2024. During his four years with the Crimson Tide, McLaughlin engaged in numerous community outreach initiatives in Tuscaloosa and garnered attention for donating some of his NIL proceeds to the West Alabama Food Bank.
This preseason, the Paul Hornung Award marks Egbuka’s second watch list nomination, as he is also in contention for the Maxwell Award. Meanwhile, the Wuerffel Trophy represents McLaughlin’s first nomination.
Ohio State Buckeyes on Preseason Awards Watch Lists:
Ohio State players have earned several spots on prestigious preseason awards watch lists. Emeka Egbuka, Quinshon Judkins, and Will Howard are in contention for the Maxwell Award. Caleb Downs, Tyleik Williams, JT Tuimoloau, and Denzel Burke are on the watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, while Josh Fryar, Donovan Jackson, and Tyleik Williams are nominees for the Outland Trophy. For the Jim Thorpe Award, Denzel Burke and Caleb Downs are listed, and for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, Denzel Burke, Caleb Downs, and JT Tuimoloau are recognized. Head coach Ryan Day is a candidate for the Dodd Trophy, Emeka Egbuka is on the watch list for the Paul Hornung Award, and Seth McLaughlin is nominated for the Wuerffel Trophy.
