Former Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord recently opened up about his ex-teammate, Emeka Egbuka, and the impact he had during their time together in Columbus. While McCord may not have experienced the thrill of winning a national championship, he certainly witnessed the dedication and talent that Egbuka brought to the field.
Emeka Egbuka’s Unselfishness Shines
One of the standout qualities of Egbuka, according to McCord, is his unselfishness. “I think just how unselfish he is is the first thing,” McCord remarked. “At Ohio State, his four years there? Obviously, [he] had a great career. He’s a great player. But never really was the star receiver.” Egbuka played alongside some of the best, including Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Marvin Harrison Jr. Despite the star-studded lineup, McCord believes Egbuka consistently produced at a high level without receiving the recognition he deserved.
With 10 touchdowns last season, Egbuka demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure. But it wasn’t just his receiving skills that impressed McCord; it was his willingness to contribute in any way possible. “Just having a guy like that who’s super talented in every aspect just being so unselfish to go and do what’s best for the team? I’m excited for his next step,” McCord said, highlighting the importance of teamwork and selflessness in achieving success.
A New Chapter for Kyle McCord
After transferring to Syracuse ahead of last season, McCord found himself in a different position. He was replaced by Kansas State transfer quarterback Will Howard, but that didn’t diminish his appreciation for his former teammates. McCord attended the East-West Shrine Bowl, where he took the time to reflect on Egbuka’s contributions to the Buckeyes’ program.
Despite the challenges of transitioning to a new team, McCord has fond memories of his time at Ohio State and the relationships he built. He expressed a soft spot for Egbuka, recognizing the hard work and dedication that went into his success. “I never felt like he got the credit that he deserved but just produced every single year,” McCord noted, emphasizing that Egbuka’s consistency was a crucial factor in the team’s performance.
Egbuka’s Impact on the Program
Egbuka’s influence extended beyond the field; his attitude and work ethic set a standard for his teammates. McCord pointed out that every time Egbuka was on the field, “good things happened.” His impressive route running, hands, speed, and athleticism were evident, but it was his run-blocking skills that often went unnoticed. “He played in the slot a bunch [and] had no problem going and digging out a linebacker, and never complained about it either,” McCord added, showcasing Egbuka’s versatility and commitment to the team’s success.
As Egbuka declared for the NFL Draft earlier this month, the Buckeyes are looking to reload their roster following coach Ryan Day’s first national title win since arriving in Columbus in 2019. Egbuka’s departure marks the end of an era, but his legacy will undoubtedly inspire future players at Ohio State.
The Future Awaits
As McCord moves forward in his career, he carries with him the lessons learned from his time with Egbuka and the rest of the Buckeyes. The camaraderie and shared experiences have shaped him into the player he is today. “I think everybody can see his route running, his hands, his speed, his athleticism getting in and out of breaks,” McCord stated, reflecting on Egbuka’s skill set.
The journey ahead for both McCord and Egbuka is filled with potential. While McCord has embraced his new role at Syracuse, he remains connected to his roots at Ohio State. He is eager to see how Egbuka will transition to the next level, knowing that his former teammate has the talent and determination to succeed.
In the world of college football, stories like McCord and Egbuka’s remind us of the importance of teamwork, resilience, and the drive to excel. As fans, we can only wait in anticipation to see how these young athletes will continue to make their mark in the sport. The future is bright for both players, and their journeys are just beginning.
