You know you have made it as a coach when your former players make it big in the pro league. Ohio State, popularly known as the NFL pipeline, sent 14 players to the league in the 2025 Draft. Out of all the talents, one talented wide receiver, Emeka Egbuka, continues to make a big splash in the NFL in his debut season. Like a proud coach, Ryan Day praised his former player.

A first-round pick, selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the 19th overall, Emeka Egbuka’s performance for the Buccaneers has lived up to expectations and more. The rookie surprised fans by recording 31 receptions, 527 receiving yards, and five touchdowns over seven games. It’s a usual business day for Ryan Day as he knew his former student was an impact player who would surely make it big in the professional league.

“Emeka Egbuka is a great example of somebody that could have gone to the NFL after three years and had a good career,” said Ryan Day in a conversation with NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. “But he decided to come back win a national championship.” At the Buckeyes, Emeka was the starter for three years, appearing in 40+ games over his four-year collegiate stint, and also earned the All-Big Ten honors thrice on the second and third teams. Catching 205 passes, completing 2,868 yards with 24 touchdowns, and leading his alma mater to a national championship, Egbuka was heading towards the stars.

His last game at OSU also saw him break the school record for career receptions with 205 catches, previously held by K.J. Hill. Clearly, his impact was felt across the collegiate football circuit. Day continued. “And after four years of college play, he was so much more prepared for the NFL, and you’re seeing an immediate impact.”

After winning the championship, came the draft, as Egbuka inked a four-year $18.1 million deal with the Bucs. “And when we were talking NFL personnel about him in the draft process, I just said this…It’s like you, you decide where you want to draft them, but he’ll play for a long time in the NFL, and he’s going to have a major impact on you on your team.” And didn’t Egbuka deliver on Ryan Day’s promise through his stellar play in his rookie season?

Ryan Day further emphasized that it’s not just his explosive performance on the field but rather his personality that makes him a great player. “It doesn’t take long for you to get around and realize the impact he makes people off the field, his leadership, his just, you know, professionalism.. how he goes about his business.” It’s the whole package when Egbuka gets spoken about.

Top Stories

Mike McDaniel Breaks Silence on Tua Tagovailoa’s Mistake Amid Dolphins’ Penalty Struggles

Latest Rickie Fowler and Tiger Woods Update Sparks Debate Among Golf Fans: ‘Weird’

Kim Mulkey Left ‘Heartbroken’ as LSU Announces Major Decision Ahead of New Season

Panthers Officially Sign Former Cowboys QB After Announcing Bryce Young Injury News

Steelers Owner Makes $10 Billion Move in Purchase of Los Angeles Lakers

Travis Kelce Secures Major Hollywood Partnership After His Company’s 400% Boom

He continued, “And he’s a guy that you know, we’ll be in that program, and the people can rally and build the future around for a long time.” The internet witnessed Day’s assessment of his former player as an emotional Egbuka knelt in prayer for his injured teammate in another act of brotherhood and solidarity.

Emeka Egbuka wins hearts with his recent gesture

Emeka Egbuka’s leadership and his concern for his teammates are winning hearts all over the internet. On Monday night, Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans, who returned on the field following a hamstring injury, faced another setback. In the second quarter, he suffered a concussion and broke his clavicle. As the medical staff tended to Evans, Egbuka kneeled beside him and started praying for him.

That gesture touched the football community, which poured out prayers for Evan’s recovery. One individual wrote, “May God continue to bless Emeka, his teammates, and especially Mike Evans for a full and healthy recovery.” The medical reports suggest Evans will return to the season only if the Bucs can make a deep playoff run. He broke his collarbone, which usually takes 3-4 months to heal.

Injuries have troubled Evans throughout his career. Ironically, this was the player’s first comeback game after missing three games because of a hamstring injury. While looking to catch the ball, he also suffered a concussion after hitting his head on the turf. It shocked most people, as the ESPN sideline reporter stated, “(The Buccaneers training staff) was looking at his right shoulder, but seeing him getting carted off should let you know he’s in excruciating pain.”

The acknowledgments came in for Egbuka for staying calm and praying for his teammate. With the heartwarming act of sympathy, one user commented, “Moments like this remind us what sports are really about — faith, brotherhood, and heart. Wishing both of them strength and healing.” One user stated, “I like our rookie even more now! Can’t wait to watch this guy’s future!” The prayers kept coming in as a fan posted, “May God bless them both. 🙏🏽”

“He is someone who is very strong-willed,” Egbuka said, per Fox 13. “It is hard to break him.” The football community and fans pray for Mike Evans’ quick recovery. But as long as they have Egbuka playing for them, the Bucs will still have a chance.