Emeka Egbuka reveals why he's excited about Chip Kelly taking over Ohio State offense

The Ohio State Buckeyes have a new look on offense in 2024, with head coach Ryan Day turning the reigns over to former head coach and offensive innovator Chip Kelly.

One of Ohio State’s best offensive players, star wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, was at Big Ten Media Days. There, he praised Chip Kelly and revealed why he’s excited about Kelly taking over the offense.

“Coach Kelly, we had an opportunity to exchange a little bit when I was in high school,” Egbuka said. “He recruited me when he was at UCLA, but I didn’t have the strongest impression of him then because I didn’t spend much time with him, but now that he’s here at Ohio State I couldn’t be more happy.”

The offense, notably, hasn’t been an issue for Ohio State under Ryan Day. So, turning that unit over to Chip Kelly goes to shows Day’s confidence and trust in Kelly, having played under him at New Hampshire and coached under him in the NFL.

“I’ve had conversations with him. I spend time with him. I’ve gotten to know his offense, the way his mind works, and I think that’s part of why Coach Day is so comfortable in handing him the reigns because, you know, because first of all him and Coach Day have worked together before. So, they’re no strangers to each other. They’re great friends. Just for Coach Day’s ability to be openly giving Coach Kelly the offense says a lot about Coach Kelly and the trust that they have with each other,” Egbuka said.

“I’ve certainly seen that firsthand. I’m excited to see what he implements this season and I think he’s gonna use the tools that he has to the best of his ability.”

Going into the 2024 season, Egbuka is going to be one of the vital players who Kelly is going to lean on and it’s a good sign for the Buckeyes that there is already trust being built up between the two.

Ryan Day on decision to turn Ohio State offense over to Chip Kelly

For his part, at Big Ten Media Days Ryan Day addressed his decision to turn the offense over to Chip Kelly and the trust that he has in his former mentor.

“For me, turning [play-calling] over, I really wanted somebody that had coaching experience. I never thought you’d have somebody that’s was a head coach the way he’s been in college and in the NFL, with that background,” Day said.

“It allows me a little more of a peace of mind and certainly a lot of trust there. I trust Chip with my life and that’s a big part of any time you’re handing something over like that you’ve almost done your entire career.”