Buccaneers first-round rookie wideout out of Ohio State who put together the most productive debut season by a receiver in franchise history.
Emeka Egbuka was Tampa Bay's first-round pick in the 2025 draft after a decorated career at Ohio State. With Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan sidelined to open the year, Egbuka was thrust into a featured role immediately. He responded with a record-setting rookie campaign and finished as an AP Offensive Rookie of the Year finalist.
Path to the league
A five-star recruit who stayed home at Ohio State, Egbuka was part of the Buckeyes' 2024 national championship team. He left Columbus as one of the program's most productive receivers and was selected by the Buccaneers in the first round of the 2025 draft.
Career highlights
Per the Buccaneers, Egbuka became the first Tampa Bay receiver ever to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month honors. He opened his career with a 25-catch, 445-yard, five-touchdown line over his first five games, the most productive start for a rookie receiver in franchise history.
2025 season
Egbuka played all 17 games and finished with 63 receptions for 938 yards and six touchdowns on 127 targets, per CBS Sports. He was named an AP Offensive Rookie of the Year finalist after carrying the receiving room through extended injuries to Godwin, Mike Evans and McMillan.
Sources
- CBS Sports: Emeka Egbuka player page
- ESPN: Emeka Egbuka player page
Statistics
2025 season and career2025 Season · Receiving
17 games played▶Receiving · career
| Year | Team | GP | REC | YDS | AVG | TD | LNG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | buccaneers | 17 | 63 | 938 | 14.9 | 6 | 77 |
▶Rushing · career
| Year | Team | GP | CAR | YDS | AVG | TD | LNG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | buccaneers | 17 | 2 | 9 | 4.5 | 0 | 9 |
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Wide Receiver
- Group
- offense
- College
- Ohio State
- Hometown
- Steilacoom, WA, USA
- Age
- 23
- Status
- active
