Ohio State WR Facing Criticism for Admission About Michigan’s ‘Talent’

Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka was the No. 1 rated WR recruit in the 2021 cycle, according to 247Sports.

Joined by fellow five-stars Jack Sawyer, J.T. Tuimoloau, and TreVeyon Henderson, the Buckeyes' mega-talented 2021 class looked to continue the momentum built over Ryan Day's first two seasons as head coach in Columbus.

Ohio State has posted an 11-2 record in each of the last three seasons, however, each campaign has included a loss to arch-rival Michigan. As a result, several Buckeyes' upperclassmen - Egbuka included - chose to forgo the 2024 NFL Draft to return to Columbus.

During Big Ten Media Days earlier this week, Egbuka appeared confident that Ohio State would "find a way to bounce back" after three consecutive losses to Michigan.

He also shared a polarizing take on the 'talent' discrepancy between the two Big Ten programs.

"It doesn’t matter if they don’t have the talent, per se, and we do have the talent," Egbuka said. "It’s going to be a hard game every year."

College football fans were quick to criticize Egbuka over the 'talent' comment, particularly due to Michigan's recent NFL Draft edge over Ohio State.

While the Buckeyes might have an advantage in recruiting rankings, the Wolverines have produced 35 NFL Draft picks over the last four years to Ohio State's 26.

"Perhaps conflating a rival's 'talent' with high school recruiting rankings is part of the problem," 247Sports' Zach Shaw said.

Egbuka had three catches for 25 yards and a touchdown against Michigan in last year's heartbreaking 30-24 loss in Ann Arbor.

For the 2023 season, he recorded 41 receptions for 515 yards and four touchdowns.

The Buckeyes and Wolverines will meet Nov. 30 in a matchup that could have major implications in the Big Ten.

Related: Ohio State Star’s Blunt Six-Word Description of Michigan Says It All

Related: Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer Claims Major Ryan Day Criticism ‘Couldn’t Be More Wrong’