WHY ISN’T OCHAI AGBAJI PLAYING?

A Look Into the Buckeyes’ Wide Receiver Conundrum

When the Ohio State Buckeyes take the field this season, they'll be without one of their most dynamic playmakers, wide receiver Ochai Agbaji. Agbaji, a First Team All-American and the Biletnikoff Award winner in 2021, declared for the NFL Draft and was selected 16th overall by the Cleveland Browns.

With Agbaji's departure, the Buckeyes are left with a big hole to fill in their receiving corps. Agbaji was the team's leading receiver last season, catching 90 passes for 1,221 yards and 19 touchdowns. He was also a key part of the Buckeyes' offense, providing a deep threat and a reliable target for quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Who Will Up in Agbaji’s Absence?

Ohio State has a number of talented receivers who are capable of stepping up in Agbaji's absence. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the most likely candidate to take over as the team's number one receiver. Smith-Njigba is a five-star recruit who had a breakout season in 2021, catching 63 passes for 1,050 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Other receivers who could be in line for increased playing time include Emeka Egbuka, Julian Fleming, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Jayden Ballard. Egbuka is a four-star recruit who had 36 catches for 610 yards and nine touchdowns last season. Fleming is a former five-star recruit who has struggled to live up to expectations but could be poised for a breakout season in 2022. Harrison Jr. is the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison and is one of the top recruits in the country. Ballard is a true freshman who could make an immediate impact.

How Will the Buckeyes Adjust Their Offense?

With Agbaji gone, the Buckeyes will likely have to adjust their offense. They may rely more on running back TreVeyon Henderson and tight end Cade Stover. They may also use more spread formations and quick passes to get the ball to their playmakers in space.

What Are the Buckeyes’ Chances of Success Without Agbaji?

Despite losing Agbaji, the Buckeyes are still considered one of the top contenders for the College Football Playoff. They have a loaded roster and a proven coaching staff. If they can find a way to replace Agbaji's production, they should be in good shape.

Conclusion

The Buckeyes will miss Agbaji, but they have the talent and depth to overcome his departure. With Smith-Njigba, Egbuka, Fleming, Harrison Jr., and Ballard all capable of making big plays, the Buckeyes' offense should still be one of the most explosive in the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who will replace Agbaji as the Buckeyes' number one receiver?
   Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the most likely candidate to take over as the team's number one receiver.

2. What other receivers could see increased playing time?
   Emeka Egbuka, Julian Fleming, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Jayden Ballard could all see increased playing time with Agbaji gone.

3. How will the Buckeyes adjust their offense without Agbaji?
   The Buckeyes may rely more on running back TreVeyon Henderson and tight end Cade Stover. They may also use more spread formations and quick passes to get the ball to their playmakers in space.

4. What are the Buckeyes' chances of success without Agbaji?
   Despite losing Agbaji, the Buckeyes are still considered one of the top contenders for the College Football Playoff. They have a loaded roster and a proven coaching staff. If they can find a way to replace Agbaji's production, they should be in good shape.

5. Who is the most likely receiver to break out in 2022?
   Marvin Harrison Jr. is the most likely receiver to break out in 2022. He is the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison and is one of the top recruits in the country.