Ohio State’s making its claim as wide receiver U with Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave the first drafted a year ago and Wilson becoming the NFL’s offensive rookie of the year. The third wheel next to those two with the Buckeyes was Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who Wilson and Olave feel might be even better than them.

“As me being a younger guy, I feel like me being able to watch how they worked, take things from their game, I think just gives me an upper hand and advantage,” said Smith-Njigba “But without those guys I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Smith-Njigba was the star of the show when all three shared the field in 2021 with 95 receptions for over 1600 yards and 9 touchdowns, earning third team All-American honors.

He was primed to become the best wideout in the country this past year, but a hamstring injury suffered in the opener completely derailed things, limiting him to just five grabs for 43 yards in three games.

“Very frustrating last year,” said Smith-Njigba. “Never really had an injury that sat me out for games or even practices. But I feel like I’m going to come out a better person, better man, better player. So I’m definitely thankful just looking at it as a positive. I think it’ll be beneficial for me at the end of the day.”

Smith-Njigba says he’s fully healthy now and ran a 4.48 40 at his Pro Day, showing good speed for a wideout, standing 6’1” and 196 lbs. He’s widely thought to be the first at his position taken in the first round.