You’ve seen the jerseys. On any given Sunday, you can flip through three different games and see a former Buckeye torching a defensive back down the sideline. It’s becoming a bit of a joke at this point. People used to call various schools "WRU," but honestly, the debate is over. Ohio State wide receivers in NFL rosters aren't just taking up space; they’re basically running the league.
Think about the 2025 season we just witnessed. Jaxon Smith-Njigba wasn't just "good" for the Seahawks—he was historic. Breaking DK Metcalf’s single-season franchise record with 1,313 yards through only 11 games? That’s not supposed to happen to a guy people once labeled as "just a slot receiver." But that’s the thing about the Columbus pipeline. It produces players who are ready to play professional football on Day 1.
The Brian Hartline Factor
Why does this keep happening? Most experts point to one guy: Brian Hartline. He’s the former NFL vet who returned to his alma mater and turned the wide receiver room into a literal factory. But here is the secret—it isn’t just about the coaching. It’s the "iron sharpens iron" culture.
Imagine being a freshman and having to go up against Denzel Burke every single day in practice. Then, you look to your left, and you're competing for targets with Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. You either get better or you get left behind. Hartline recently moved on to a head coaching gig at USF, and the college football world is holding its breath to see if the pipeline slows down.
Personally? I doubt it. The standard is already set.
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Breaking Down the Current NFL Stars
If you're a dynasty fantasy football manager, you probably own at least one of these guys. If you don't, you're likely trying to trade for them. Let's look at how the big names are actually doing as of early 2026.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seattle Seahawks) JSN is currently the king of the mountain. In the 2025 season, he was on pace for over 2,000 yards before the schedule leveled out. He’s the first receiver from the 2023 draft to truly look like a perennial All-Pro. His ability to track the ball and create space in the short area is unmatched.
Garrett Wilson (New York Jets) Wilson is the most frustrating elite talent in the league, mostly because of the Jets' quarterback carousel. Even with inconsistent play under center, he’s managed to stack 1,000-yard seasons like they’re nothing. He’s currently recovering from a late-2025 knee injury, but he’s expected back at full strength for the 2026 opener.
Chris Olave (New Orleans Saints) Olave is the "smooth" one. He makes 4.26 speed look effortless. While the Saints have had their own struggles, Olave remains a target vacuum. He’s consistent, reliable, and almost never drops the ball.
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Marvin Harrison Jr. (Arizona Cardinals) The "Maserati" Marv transition wasn't perfectly seamless. He faced some criticism in 2024 and early 2025 for a lower-than-expected catch rate. However, by the end of last season, he and Kyler Murray finally found their rhythm. He’s still the prototype—6'4" with the route running of a much smaller man.
Emeka Egbuka (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) The newest addition to the pro ranks. Egbuka, a 2025 first-round pick (19th overall), absolutely exploded for the Bucs. He had 445 yards in his first five games. He’s proving that he wasn't just a "product of the system" at Ohio State; he’s a legitimate WR1 in his own right.
The Depth Nobody Talks About
Everyone focuses on the first-rounders, but the Ohio State wide receivers in NFL circles include the "old guard" too. Terry McLaurin is 30 now—yeah, let that sink in—and he’s still the heart of the Washington Commanders. Even with a quad injury that sidelined him for part of 2025, his leadership is the gold standard.
Then you have Curtis Samuel and Jameson Williams. (Yes, Jameson counts—he spent two years in Columbus before the Alabama transfer). These guys provide the vertical stretch that modern NFL offenses crave. It’s a diverse group. You have the possession guys, the burners, and the technicians.
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What’s Next for the Buckeye Pipeline?
With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, the cycle is starting all over again. Carnell Tate is the name on everyone’s lips. Scouts are already calling him a "lock" for the first round. And behind him? Jeremiah Smith.
Jeremiah Smith might be the best prospect to ever come out of the school, which is a wild thing to say considering the names we just discussed. He essentially won every award possible in 2024 and 2025. When he becomes eligible, the NFL is going to have a collective meltdown trying to trade up for him.
Real-World Impact and Scouting Nuance
What most people get wrong is thinking Ohio State receivers are successful just because they’re fast. It’s actually their release packages. If you watch film of Wilson or Olave, they don't get jammed at the line. They use their feet to win the first two yards of the route.
NFL scouts have told me that when they draft a Buckeye, they’re saving themselves six months of "teaching." These players already know how to read a zone, how to adjust a route based on the safety's leverage, and how to block in the run game. That last part is why they stay on the field.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts:
- Watch the 2026 Draft: Focus on Carnell Tate's landing spot. If he goes to a team with a stable QB, he’s an immediate Rookie of the Year candidate.
- Monitor the Transfer Portal: Ohio State is currently "refurbishing" the room with Devin McCuin (UTSA) to fill the gaps left by departures.
- Injury Reports: Keep an eye on Garrett Wilson's rehab. His return to the Jets' lineup will dictate whether that offense can finally take the next step in 2026.
- Dynasty Value: If you’re in a keeper league, JSN is currently the highest-valued Buckeye receiver, surpassing Wilson due to the age and situation factors.
The dominance of Ohio State wide receivers in NFL games isn't a fluke. It’s a result of a decade of specific recruiting and a professional-grade environment. Whether you love the Buckeyes or hate them, you can't ignore the fact that they've turned the NFL into their personal playground.