Former Ohio State wide receivers Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave are ready to make their mark just like they were able to do as rookies.

If you are a high school receiver hoping to play at the highest level someday, and you have every offer on your plate, Ohio State is near the top of your list. Brain Hartline has been feeding first-round receivers and wide receivers in general into the league since he took over as the interim wide receivers coach at Ohio State in 2018.

Older wide receivers on NFL rosters that were Buckeye products include C.J. Saunders, Noah Brown, Parris Campbell, Curtis Samuel, Terry McLaurin, and the AP Offensive Player of the Year Michael Thomas.

Recently, Jaxon Smith-Njigba was drafted back in April with the 20th pick by the Seattle Seahawks. Looking ahead to next year, both Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka are expected to be the first two receivers drafted, with Harrison going in the top three. Not to mention, freshman Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss, and Noah Rogers are all waiting to breakout behind them.

Following Impressive Rookie Campaigns, These Buckeye Receivers are Expected to Continue That Success in 2023

The two Buckeye receivers in the NFL who are proving you can be developed at the highest level at Ohio State are Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson.

At the 2022 NFL Draft, Garrett Wilson was drafted 10th by the New York Jets, and Chris Olave was taken 11th overall by the New Orleans Saints. Not to mention, former Buckeye wide receiver Jameson Williams was taken 12th overall by the Detroit Lions.

In his four years as a Buckeye, Olave eclipsed 700 yards in his final three seasons, totaling career marks of 176 receptions, 2,711 receiving yards, and 35 touchdowns. He ranks third in school history in receptions, fifth in receiving yards, and is the all-time leader in touchdowns – topping David Boston’s mark of 34.

His skillset and success immediately translated in his first year with the Saints last season. He was their leading receiver, totaling 72 receptions, 1,042 receiving yards, and four touchdowns with shaky quarterback play the whole season. With an improved quarterback in Derek Carr and an entire season under his belt, I expect all three of these categories to increase, just like his former Buckeye counterpart Garrett Wilson.

Wilson played three seasons with the Buckeyes, including that shortened 2020 season, but still put-up impressive numbers with 143 receptions, 2,213 receiving yards, and 23 touchdowns. Wilson finished eighth in Ohio State history in receptions and seventh in touchdowns.

His route running, speed, and hands also translated perfectly in his first year with the New York Jets, where he was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Wilson finished with 83 receptions, 1,103 receiving yards, and four touchdowns, including two in just his second NFL game, which was in Ohio against the Cleveland Browns. The former Buckeye standout also got a considerable quarterback upgrade this offseason, with four-time league MVP Aaron Rodgers wanting a change of scenery.

Both Olave and Wilson are primed to be in the top 15 in receptions and yards this season with upgrades in quarterback play, coaching, and experience under their belt. Two Buckeyes greats who continue to make Ohio State fans proud will look to do more of the same as the NFL season gets underway tonight with the Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Detroit Lions.