Ohio State Football: Way-too-early 2022 depth chart projection

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Sat., Jan. 1, 2022; Pasadena, California, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) fends off Utah Utes cornerback Micah Bernard (2) as he races to the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter of the 108th Rose Bowl Game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Utah Utes at the Rose Bowl. Rose Bowl Game Ohio State Buckeyes Against Utah Utes /

Wide Receiver

Starting X receiver: Marvin Harrison Jr
Backup: Jayden Ballard

Starting slot receiver: Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Backup: Kyion Graves

Starting Z receiver: Emeka Egbuka
Backup: Julian Fleming

It is almost unfair at the kind of receiver talent and depth that Ryan Day has helped build at Ohio State. The Buckeyes are going to have two potential first-round picks in Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson and more are on this very roster. This is the most talented receiving corps in the country and it is not particularly close.

The Rose Bowl gave the country a glimpse at how good Smith-Njigba is. He was the leading receiver on Ohio State last season and it seemed that most did not know that. He is going to be the alpha in this offense next year and is a sneaky Heisman Candidate as well.

Marvin Harrison Jr caught multiple touchdowns in the Rose Bowl and showed that he is ready to step into the spotlight in 2022. The son of the NFL Hall of Famer, Harrison Jr is physical and has great hands to go along with his great size.

Opposite Harrison Jr. will be either Emeka Egbuka or Julian Fleming, two former five-star recruits. The edge, for now, goes to Egbuka due to his speed and playmaking ability downfield. Guys like Jayden Ballard and Kyion Graves are also going to be in the mix and give this position a lot of depth.

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