Ohio State’s NFL pipeline wasted no time making its presence felt in Week 1, and the wide receivers once again set the pace.
That part of the story has become familiar. The Buckeyes keep sending players into the league, and when the big moments arrive, there’s often a former Ohio State star in the middle of them. This opening week was no different, especially for the pass catchers.
Thursday night started the run with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year, who delivered a sharp opener against the New England Patriots. He finished with eight catches for 122 yards and the game-winning touchdown.
By Sunday, the spotlight had shifted to Chris Olave. The Saints were pushing hard to keep pace with the Detroit Lions, and Olave was everywhere.
New Orleans threw for 410 yards, and he accounted for almost half of that total. He ended the day with 10 receptions for 182 yards, and even without a touchdown, he finished as the NFL’s leading receiver in Week 1.
Garrett Wilson added another reliable showing for the Jets with six catches for 79 yards, while Marvin Harrison had one standout sideline grab for the Cardinals.
Put it all together, and the former Buckeye receivers put up a monster collective line: 36 catches for 510 yards and one touchdown. That total outpaced the LSU Tigers by 16 catches and nearly 300 yards for the second spot.
The Buckeyes’ rookies also made noise on Sunday.
Sonny Styles delivered one of the day’s biggest defensive plays for the Commanders, blowing through the line and running straight through Saquon Barkley before sacking Jalen Hurts. It was the kind of snap that jumps off the screen.
Then came Caleb Downs on Sunday Night Football against the New York Giants. His first sack came on a blitz off the left side, where he came free and hit Jaxson Dart for his first career sack.
For Ohio State’s NFL alumni, Week 1 was loaded with highlights from start to finish. Once again, the Buckeyes lived up to the NFL University label.
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Ohio State Needs More Than A Win Against Kent State
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The bigger value here may be less about the result and more about what the Buckeyes can take from it, especially on offense. A lopsided win would be welcome, but Ohio State needs a performance that helps settle the unit, builds confidence after the setback and gives the coaches a better feel for where this team is headed as the schedule tightens. [Read more 🡒]