Eric Boggs
The stage is set for Ohio State’s highly anticipated Rose Bowl showdown against Oregon, and the Buckeyes’ wide receiver corps is determined to shine in Pasadena. The group features a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars, with senior Emeka Egbuka and standout freshman Jeremiah Smith leading the charge. As they prepare for their rematch against Oregon, the Buckeyes are focused on redemption and upholding the legacy of past greats, including Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s legendary Rose Bowl performance in 2022. In that game, Smith-Njigba set an Ohio State and college bowl record with 15 receptions for 347 yards and three touchdowns.
Egbuka, who has been an anchor for Ohio State’s offense this season, reflected on the importance of the Rose Bowl during Saturday’s media session. Having played in the iconic venue as a freshman, he’s eager to soak in the experience while keeping his focus sharp.
“It’s an amazing venue. It’s so beautiful, and they do a great job hosting for the players, coaches, and families,” Egbuka said. “Having a chance to redeem ourselves from what happened earlier in the season is something we don’t take lightly.”
Egbuka emphasized the mindset necessary to maintain an edge in the College Football Playoff race. “If you lose your edge, I wouldn’t really call you a true competitor,” he stated. “The intensity cranks up every single week, so if you’re not more intense than the last week, something’s wrong.”
He also touched on the camaraderie within the wide receiver room. “Guys like Cardinal Tate, Brandon Inniss, and Jeremiah have stepped up all season. It’s inspiring to see everyone push each other to be better,” Egbuka added.
Smith, who has already cemented himself as a future star, is ready to make his Rose Bowl debut. His freshman campaign has been nothing short of spectacular, with over 1,000 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. Smith’s work ethic and mindset have drawn praise from teammates, including Egbuka.
“I knew from the start that Jeremiah was special,” Egbuka shared. “He was our only freshman ever to receive an Iron Buckeye award, which speaks to his physical and mental toughness. He pushes everyone around him, including me.”
For Smith, the Rose Bowl represents an opportunity to solidify his place in Ohio State history. “I’ve dreamed about playing in a game like this,” Smith said. “I want to be pushed to my limits because that’s how you become great. No matter the coverage, I’m ready to make plays.”
Smith’s confidence is evident. When asked about being bracketed in coverage, he remained unfazed. “I feel like I’m still open no matter what. Just throw the ball in my area, and I’ll find a way to make a play,” he said.
The culture within Ohio State’s wide receiver room, dubbed “Zone Six,” has consistently produced NFL-caliber talent. Egbuka attributes this to a shared mentality and mutual respect among teammates.
“We don’t have a number three receiver. We have three number ones,” Egbuka said. “That’s how we view ourselves. Every one of us has the capability to dominate, and that’s what makes this group so special.”
The Buckeyes face a formidable challenge in Oregon’s secondary, led by Jabbar Muhammad and Nico Reed. Both Egbuka and Smith acknowledged the Ducks’ talent but expressed confidence in their preparation.
“We’re not entirely sure what their game plan will be, but we’re prepared for everything,” Egbuka said. “If the ball comes our way, we’ve got to make plays. It’s as simple as that.”
Smith echoed the sentiment, focusing on the lessons learned from their earlier loss to Oregon. “We’ve played them before. It’s all about who’s gotten better since then,” Smith stated. “We’re ready to show how much we’ve grown.”
Facing Oregon’s Defense, Smith acknowledged the challenge but remained confident. “They’ve got some great players, probably the best we’ll see all year,” he said. “But at the end of the day, we just need to go out there and play Ohio State football.”
For Ohio State, the Rose Bowl is more than just another game; it’s a chance to reclaim their place atop the college football landscape. The wide receiver corps is locked in, determined to follow in the footsteps of past greats and create new memories under the bright lights of Pasadena.
As Egbuka succinctly put it, “The ultimate goal is winning a national championship. The Rose Bowl is just the next step on that journey.”
