Eric Boggs
Cornerback Denzel Burke, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, and defensive end Jack Sawyer will represent the Buckeyes at the 2024 Big Ten Media Days in Indianapolis, which will be held from July 23-25. They, along with Ohio State coach Ryan Day, will meet with the media on the first day, Tuesday, July 23. This year, the event has been extended to three days because of the Big Ten’s four new teams.
These three Buckeyes were chosen because they decided to stay at Ohio State for their senior year, even though they were projected to be early-round picks in the 2024 NFL draft. They are expected to be among the best players in the country at their positions and will be key leaders as the Buckeyes aim to win the Big Ten and national championships.
Denzel Burke is entering his fourth year as a starter. Last year, he was one of the best cornerbacks in college football, earning first-team All-Big Ten and second-team All-American honors. He led the nation’s No. 1 pass defense, which allowed just 145.9 passing yards per game.
Emeka Egbuka, a top-10 receiver in the FBS with 1,151 receiving yards in 2022, is set to lead Ohio State’s receiving corps this year. He had an injury-plagued 2023 season but is ready to step up after Marvin Harrison Jr. left for the NFL. Big Ten Media Days will be a chance for Ohio State to highlight Egbuka as one of the nation’s top playmakers.
Jack Sawyer played a key role in convincing many upperclassmen to stay at Ohio State for another season. He is a strong candidate to be a team captain and possibly receive the Buckeyes’ “Block 0” award. He finished the 2023 season strong, with 7.5 tackles for loss in Ohio State’s final three games, and aims to be one of college football’s top defensive ends.
Ohio State will be one of six schools participating on the first day of Big Ten Media Days, along with Illinois, Northwestern, Purdue, Rutgers, and Wisconsin. The following day, Iowa, Michigan State, Nebraska, Penn State, UCLA, and USC will have their sessions. Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington will conclude the event on July 25.
