Emeka Egbuka could conclude his Ohio State career when playing in Friday’s Cotton Bowl against Missouri. The wide receiver revealed that an ankle injury led to him going under the knife earlier this season.
On Thursday, Egbuka told reporters he underwent tightrope surgery after spraining his ankle during Ohio State’s Week 6 win over Maryland.
“It’s been a no-joke injury,” Egbuka said, per Eleven Warriors. “But I am grateful for all the trials and tribulations it’s brought. … It feels great now.”
Emeka Egbuka revealed he underwent tightrope surgery after he injured his ankle in Ohio State’s regular-season win over Maryland. https://t.co/tfM1RuFJPz
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) December 28, 2023
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A tightrope procedure expedites recovery by attaching the lower fibula and tibia bone. Egbuka called it “pretty neat that you could do that.”
The junior missed three games after the surgery. A year after tallying 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns, Egbuka has 452 yards and four scores entering the Cotton Bowl.
The former five-star recruit could declare for the 2024 NFL Draft, but he elected to play in Friday’s bowl game.
“I am playing in the bowl game. That’s one thing that’s for sure,” Egbuka announced earlier this month. “I think it’s important to end the season on the right note with a win against a really good team. I’m excited to have another chance to be on the field with my brothers. As for my future, I’m totally undecided.”
Egbuka could play a bigger role alongside quarterback Devin Brown if his star teammate sits.
The Buckeyes have yet to provide an official ruling on Marvin Harrison Jr. Yet the Biletnikoff Award hasn’t practiced this week, bolstering speculation that he’ll skip the game to stay healthy before turning pro.
Friday’s Cotton Bowl starts at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.