Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka made history on Monday night by breaking the school’s career receptions record during the national championship game against Notre Dame.
The historic moment for Egbuka came in the second quarter with a 12-yard catch for a first down, which was his 202nd reception as a Buckeye, and the drive resulted in an Ohio State touchdown, pushing the Buckeyes ahead 14-7.
The previous record stood at 201 receptions and was set by K.J. Hill between 2016 and 2019, but that honor now belongs to Egbuka.
The star wideout completed the game with over 2,800 career receiving yards and 24 touchdowns, and it is a testament to his commitment, cementing his legacy in Buckeye history.
Ohio State secured its first national championship in 18 years with a 34-23 win over Notre Dame, bouncing back from a devastating regular-season loss to Michigan.
Egbuka is a five-star recruit from Columbus and has emerged as a key offensive weapon for the next years.
He had a quiet freshman season with only nine catches but later broke out as a sophomore, recording 74 receptions for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns along with Marvin Harrison Jr.
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Egbuka suffered some injuries in his junior year but chose not to be pecked back and returned strong in his senior season.
The difference for Ohio State has been investment. Reports indicate that the team is valued at $20 million, the highest in college football, and reflects the impact of the NIL and transfer portal era on the sport.
The Buckeyes’ championship team features many 2025 NFL Draft prospects which include Egbuka, offensive lineman Donovan Jackson, tackle Josh Simmons, and defensive lineman Tyleik Williams.
The win for Ohio State not only highlights its dominance but also shows how crucial investment is in recruiting and player development in the landscape of college football.