Four Buckeyes Make Top-50 College Football Player Rankings

The debate between who is the best non-quarterback in college football continues to surround Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr., and Georgia's Brock Bowers.

Author:
Harrison Reno
Aug 8, 2023 2:13 PM EDT

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Ohio State Buckeyes

Undoubtedly, the Ohio State Buckeyes boast one of the best rosters in college football this season. Even before coach Ryan Day took over the program from Urban Meyer, the Buckeyes have been recruiting at an elite level, which has seen them become almost a mainstay in the top-5 of recruiting class rankings.

If you are looking for further evidence of the Buckeyes' high-level recruiting beyond them being in the college football playoff discussion at the start of each season, Pro Football Focus recently ranked their top-50 players in college football. Of those 50 players, Ohio State had four Buckeyes make the list.

No. 3 Marvin Harrison Jr., WR

Any list ranking the top players in college football this season better have the junior receiver, which makes it no surprise that PFF had him in the top three. Harrison only ranked behind USC quarterback Caleb Williams at No. 1 and Georgia tight end Brock Bowers.

"Harrison was both the highest-graded (90.2) and most valuable wide receiver in the country last season, according to PFF’s wins above average metric," PFF writes about Harrison. "Against single coverage, Harrison’s 878 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns were the most among all FBS receivers."

No. 17 Emeka Egbuka, WR

As PFF says, if it weren't for Harrison being on the same team as him, Egbuka would be the No. 1 receiver on the Buckeyes' roster. While Egbuka's ranking, 14 spots below Harrison, may seem relatively far apart, PFF has him as the No. 2 best receiver in college football.

"Among returning Power Five receivers, only teammate Marvin Harrison Jr. tallied more receiving yards and touchdowns than Egbuka last season," PFF writes.

No. 20 Tommy Eichenberg, LB

No returning player on the Buckeyes' defense who was draft-eligible from last season may have a bigger impact than Eichenberg. The senior backer led the team in tackles a season with 120, which ranked him third in the Big Ten and top-five nationally.

For a Buckeyes defense that has been criticized for being unable to stop the run in their last two games versus Michigan, bringing Eichenberg will be a big boost to their chances of shutting down the Wolverines' offense this season.

"No linebacker in the country defends the run better than Tommy Eichenberg," PFF writes. "Last season, his 49 run-defense stops tied for the lead among Power Five linebackers, and his 20 tackles for loss or no gain tied for second."

No. 40 J.T. Tuimoloau, DE

Rounding out the list for the Buckeyes was defensive end Tuimoloau, which for the fans who still believe the best has yet to come, PFF has given the blueprint for how he can become a top-10 NFL Draft pick.

"If you want to see what Tuimoloau is capable of, turn on his tape against Penn State from 2022. ... The sophomore earned a career-high 93.5 grade while recording two sacks, two interceptions (one of which he returned for a touchdown), a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, a tackle for loss, a batted pass, and three pressures," PFF writes.

The Buckeyes will certainly want more out of their pass rush, and finding consistent sack production out of Tuimoloau could go a long way in seeing another jump on the defensive side of the ball in year two under coordinator Jim Knowles.