Ohio State's Receiver U: Ranking the Recent First-Rounders
Look, Columbus has become a factory for NFL wideouts. Since the 2022 draft, we’ve seen five Ohio State receivers go in the first round, and Emeka Egbuka is likely to make it six next year. Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith are already on campus, and Carnell Tate, who put up 25 catches for 264 yards and a touchdown as a true freshman in 2023, could be the next monster in 2026. But how do these guys stack up against each other, the ones already cashing NFL checks? It’s a tough list, but somebody has to rank them.
The NFL's New Wave: Wilson, Olave, and JSN
Garrett Wilson went 10th overall in 2022 to the Jets, and he immediately showed why. He snagged 83 catches for 1,103 yards and four touchdowns his rookie year, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors despite playing with a revolving door at quarterback. That kind of production, right out of the gate, with Zach Wilson and Mike White throwing you the ball, is just ridiculous. He’s proven he’s a true alpha.
Then there's Chris Olave, taken 11th overall by the Saints in the same draft. Olave had 72 receptions for 1,042 yards and three scores as a rookie. He’s smoother than Wilson, maybe not as explosive after the catch, but his route running is pristine. He's the guy who always seems open. Last year, in 2023, Olave upped his game to 87 catches for 1,123 yards. Not bad for a guy catching passes from Derek Carr.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, or JSN, was the 20th pick in 2023 to the Seahawks. He missed most of 2022 at Ohio State with a hamstring injury, which probably made him slide a bit. His rookie year saw him grab 63 passes for 628 yards and four touchdowns. He’s a slot maestro, a guy who makes his living between the hashes. His 2021 Rose Bowl performance, 15 catches for 347 yards and three touchdowns against Utah, still feels like a fever dream. He’s going to be a PPR monster for years.
The Top Tier: Harrison Jr. and the Future
Marvin Harrison Jr. was the fourth overall pick in 2024 to the Cardinals, and he’s the clear top dog on this list. He was a generational talent at Ohio State, with 67 catches for 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2022, then followed it up with 67 catches for 1,210 yards and 14 scores in 2023. Back-to-back 1,200-yard, 14-touchdown seasons? That’s video game stuff. He’s got the size, the speed, the hands, and the bloodline. Harrison Jr. is going to be a Pro Bowler for the next decade. Anyone who thinks otherwise is just wrong.
Now, where do Emeka Egbuka and Carnell Tate fit? Egbuka had 51 catches for 622 yards and four touchdowns in 2023 despite battling injuries and playing alongside Harrison. He’s a dynamic slot option, maybe more explosive than JSN, but probably a step below Harrison. He’ll be a first-rounder in 2025. Tate, as a freshman in 2023, showed flashes of that elite body control and strong hands. He’s got the potential to be a Harrison-level prospect, but it’s early.
The Ranking, For Now
So, here’s my ranking of the Ohio State first-round receivers since 2022, including the likely 2025 and 2026 picks:
1. Marvin Harrison Jr. (Cardinals, 2024) – Too dominant, too complete.
2. Garrett Wilson (Jets, 2022) – Production with bad QBs speaks volumes.
3. Chris Olave (Saints, 2022) – Smooth, consistent, always open.
4. Emeka Egbuka (Projected 2025 First Rounder) – Versatile, explosive.
5. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seahawks, 2023) – Elite slot, but limited outside.
6. Carnell Tate (Projected 2026 First Rounder) – Raw talent, huge upside, but still developing.
My bold prediction? Carnell Tate will have a better rookie season than Jaxon Smith-Njigba.