Ohio State 'WRU'?: Jaxon Smith-Njigba Shares His Top Buckeye Receivers

Buckeyes receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba sounded off on the best Ohio State receivers in program history, which has only improved in recent years.

Author:
Matt Guzman
Mar 11, 2023 8:00 AM EST

In this story:

Ohio State Buckeyes

The Ohio State Buckeyes have had 87 total first-round picks, 46 total receivers and 10 first-rounder receivers.

Those numbers currently lead the nation in first-round picks.

The Buckeyes also have a strong receiver presence, especially after their most recent first-rounders in Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave — the first duo to be simultaneous first-round picks since Anthony Gonzales and Ted Ginn back in 2007.

This season, Ohio State is projected to add another name to its extensive list in 21-year-old Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who is a year removed from his record-breaking year with the Buckeyes in 2021.

Smith-Njigba was already among the top college receivers, but after a strong showing at the NFL Combine, his draft stock only rose higher.

The incoming rookie praised the Buckeyes' history of great receivers but made a statement on which guys he believes stand at the top of the top.

His picks? Wilson, Olave, the Buckeyes' current top-receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and current offensive coordinator Brian Hartline — a former Ohio State receiver himself.

All four of his choices are receivers from recent years except for Hartline, who left his legacy at Ohio State from 2006-2008 before playing for seven years in the NFL.

Since then, Hartline has worked with the Buckeyes in numerous roles to further extend his legacy, which has earned him the respect of the both Buckeyes franchise and the players.

Smith-Njigba also included himself among the "Mount Rushmore" of Ohio State receivers, which was backed up by his nearly-100 receptions and 1,606 receiving yards in his second season and his Combine showing, despite his being limited to only three games last season.

Either way, Smith-Njigba has proven himself among other draft prospects and added another reason why Ohio State could be considered the premier place to play receiver in college football.