All of Ohio State’s best receivers in recent years have followed a similar path to superstardom: Making an immediate impression as freshmen before establishing themselves as elite players as sophomores.
Chris Olave broke out in the second half of his freshman year in 2018, highlighted by his two-touchdown performance against Michigan, before emerging as Ohio State’s top wideout in 2019. Garrett Wilson immediately became a regular in Ohio State’s rotation in 2019 before becoming one of the Buckeyes’ biggest stars for the next two years.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s opportunities to play as a freshman were limited with the 2020 season being shortened.