Eric Boggs
Ohio State has announced its four captains for the 2024 football season, each of whom exemplifies leadership, experience, and dedication. All seniors, these players are set to guide the Buckeyes both on and off the field.
Emeka Egbuka, a wide receiver, is returning for his senior season with high expectations. Despite a 2023 campaign hindered by injury, Egbuka remains one of the nation’s premier wideouts. In 2022, he caught 74 passes for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns, showcasing his potential as Ohio State’s leading weapon in the passing game. With 35 games and 24 starts under his belt, Egbuka has accumulated 1,857 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, placing him in the top 20 in school history. An academic standout, Egbuka has earned multiple All-Big Ten honors and was a finalist for the Paul Hornung Award. He graduated in December with a degree in marketing and has twice been named an Academic All-Big Ten Conference honoree.
TreVeyon Henderson, the Buckeyes’ star running back, enters his fourth season as one of the top players at his position in college football. Henderson has rushed for 2,745 yards and 37 total touchdowns in 31 games, solidifying himself as a key figure in Ohio State’s offense. A first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2023, Henderson is just 808 yards away from entering the top five in Ohio State’s storied rushing history. His 37 touchdowns tie him for eighth all-time in school history. Off the field, Henderson is also an Academic All-Big Ten honoree and OSU Scholar-Athlete, majoring in sport industry.
Jack Sawyer, a defensive end from Pickerington, Ohio, continues a tradition of central Ohio natives leading the Buckeyes. Sawyer has played in 39 games, starting 13, and has accumulated 85 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, and 14 sacks during his Ohio State career. He led the defensive line in tackles in 2023 with 48 and was a disruptive force with 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. Sawyer has been a consistent performer and leader, earning Academic All-Big Ten honors while pursuing a major in sport industry.
Cody Simon, the linebacker from Jersey City, New Jersey, rounds out the group of captains and also received the prestigious Block “O” jersey for embodying toughness, accountability, and character. With 44 games and 15 starts, Simon has been a reliable presence in the Buckeyes’ defense, recording 147 career tackles. As the expected starting Mike linebacker, Simon will be the backbone of Ohio State’s defense in 2024. Academically, Simon has distinguished himself as a Big Ten Conference Distinguished Scholar and has earned a degree in finance, currently working on a master’s in human development and family services.
Head Coach Ryan Day praised the leadership within the team, noting that many players could have been named captains. “The great news is we have a great group of leaders,” Day said. “Just because you are not a captain doesn’t mean you’re not a leader. You’re still a leader. Leadership is earned, and a lot of you guys have earned leadership. The players did a great job voting.”
These four captains—Egbuka, Henderson, Sawyer, and Simon—bring a wealth of experience, having played in a combined 149 games with 81 starts. Their leadership will be crucial as Ohio State aims to make a strong run in 2024, fueled by the dedication and commitment these seniors have shown throughout their careers.
