As the NFL postseason honors start rolling in, two former Ohio State Buckeyes are turning heads - again. Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and running back TreVeyon Henderson, both fresh off a National Championship just a year ago, are now finalists for the NFL’s Rookie of the Year Award.
And here’s the kicker: they’re the only pair of former college teammates in the running. That’s not just a nod to their individual talent - it’s a testament to how stacked that 2025 Ohio State roster really was.
Think back to that title game against Notre Dame in Atlanta. That Buckeyes squad wasn’t just good - it was loaded. And now, two of its brightest stars are making a seamless transition to Sundays, each carving out his own path in the league.
Let’s start with Egbuka. He wasted no time making his presence felt.
From Week 1, he looked every bit like a seasoned pro - not just a rookie with potential. He finished the year with 63 receptions, 938 yards, and six touchdowns.
That’s more than just solid - that’s impact. In his first nine games alone, he topped the 100-yard mark three times, including a standout performance against the Seahawks where he hauled in seven catches for 163 yards and a score.
He was explosive, consistent, and at times, downright unguardable.
But while Egbuka came out of the gates hot, Henderson’s story took a different route - one that speaks to resilience and patience. His NFL debut in the preseason was electric: a 99-yard kickoff return touchdown that had Patriots fans buzzing.
It looked like New England had found its next big-play weapon. But the regular season didn’t start as smoothly.
Henderson struggled to find touches early on, buried in the depth chart and trying to find his rhythm.
Then something clicked.
Once he got his shot, Henderson didn’t just seize the moment - he ran with it. Literally.
Over the final stretch of the season, he became a force. He racked up 911 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 190 carries, plus added 35 catches for 221 yards and another score.
But the real story is how he finished. In the last eight games, he found the end zone eight times and posted back-to-back games of 147 and 148 rushing yards.
When the Patriots needed a spark, Henderson delivered - over and over again.
It’s rare to see two rookies from the same college team not only make it to the league but thrive at this level, this quickly. And while their paths were different - Egbuka’s early dominance versus Henderson’s late-season surge - the destination is the same: a shot at Rookie of the Year and a bright future ahead.
For Buckeye fans, this is more than just a proud moment - it’s confirmation. That 2025 team wasn’t just great in college.
It built pros. And for the rest of the league?
It’s a reminder that the NFL pipeline in Columbus is alive and well.