Bucs’ Emeka Egbuka Recalls Humorous CJ Stroud Memory Ahead of First NFL Meeting

Emeka Egbuka and CJ Stroud played college football together at Ohio State.

Bucs’ Emeka Egbuka Recalls Humorous CJ Stroud Memory Ahead of First NFL Meeting

Emeka Egbuka and CJ Stroud (Image via IMAGO/X)

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Monday can’t come soon enough for Emeka Egbuka. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver is eagerly waiting for the chance to play against CJ Stroud and the Houston Texans.

Egbuka capped off his debut NFL game by scoring two touchdowns against the Atlanta Falcons on four receptions. He’s already switched his attention toward the next game, which is against the Texans.

The Texans fixture will mark Egbuka’s first experience of prime-time Monday Night Football. However, his motivation lies somewhere else.

Egbuka attended Ohio State, the same school as the Texans quarterback CJ Stroud. He played two seasons with Stroud and made some great memories. One in particular stood out the most when he appeared on the NFL Network’s Insiders with Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.

Before I kind of came into my own at Ohio State. All the fans used to call me CJ and say we look alike and stuff like that. Definitely got stopped a few times on the side of the street asking for autographs before people knew who I was.

Emeka Egbuka said

It did not take long for Egbuka to establish himself as one of the best receivers on the Buckeyes’ roster. 2022 was the final year Stroud was part of the Buckeyes. That season, he helped Egbuka record 74 receptions for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Stroud declared for the NFL draft in 2023 and was selected second overall by the Texans.

Egbuka played two more years of college football. During his senior year, he caught 81 passes for 1011 yards and 10 touchdowns en route to winning the CFP title. A few months later, the Buccaneers drafted him 19th overall.

Baker Mayfield showers high praise on Emeka Egbuka

The Buccaneers came very close to experiencing defeat in week one. Michael Penix Jr.’s touchdown two minutes before the end gave the Falcons a lead.

Bucs’ Emeka Egbuka Recalls Humorous CJ Stroud Memory Ahead of First NFL Meeting
Emeka Egbuka played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes (Image via IMAGO)

However, Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield hit Egbuka for a 25-yard touchdown before the referee blew the final whistle. The game ended 23-20 in favor of the Bucs.

After the game, reporters asked Mayfield to talk about Egbuka’s first start in professional football.

He’s the real deal. True professional. Doesn’t play like a rookie. Doesn’t act like a rookie. His head is never spinning. He made some unbelievable catches and plays today for us. Obviously, I’m going to continue to lean on him. Hopefully, we can draw some more coverage towards him, and Mike gets the ball again.

Baker Mayfield said (H/T: Buccaneers official transcript)

With Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan on the sidelines, Egbuka could play a pivotal role as the number two behind All-Pro wideout Mike Evans, who recorded 5 receptions for 51 yards to start the season.

Meanwhile, the Texans succumbed to a come-from-behind defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams. Stroud threw 19 completions for 188 yards and one interception. Matthew Stafford started for the Rams amidst injury concerns. Stafford completed 21 passes for 245 yards and one touchdown. Third-year receiver Puka Nacua caught 10 passes for 130 yards.

Stroud and the Texans are currently the favorites to secure a win over the Buccaneers. The AFC South franchise is 5-0 against the NFC counterpart.

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