Jaxon Smith-Njigba addresses filling the void at wide receiver alongside Marvin Harrison Jr.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Marvin Harrison Jr. combined for 1,745 yards last season, which was 35.2% of the Buckeyes receiving total. With Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson taking 40.3% of that total to the NFL, Ohio State will need to find a way to fill in that gap. Luckily for them it sounds like Smith-Njigba is up for the task alongside Harrison Jr.

Smith-Njigba talked about being part of the next Buckeye wide receiver pair at Big Ten Media Day. He says while they’re not the same duo as Olave and Wilson, they’re equally distinct and ready to make their own mark.

“I feel like we’re going to bring a different style in than Chris and Garrett,” said Smith-Njigba. “Those are two unique players that are really good. (I) feel like Marvin and I are unique, too. We’re just willing to take the challenge and we’re ready for it. It’s going to be fun.”

Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the Buckeyes in reception yards by 548 yards. Harrison Jr. came in sixth on the team with just 139 yards on 11 catches for three touchdowns. Their Rose Bowl performance is what has the Buckeyes thinking the two wideouts will breakout this fall. They combined for 418 yards and all six Ohio State touchdowns in the 48-45 win over Utah.

Their first game without Olave or Wilson went as well as Ohio State could have hoped production wise. It’s now about how Smith-Njigba and Harrison Jr. replicate it this fall.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba on Marvin Harrison Jr’s growth

Last year, Jaxon Smith-Njigba led Ohio State in receiving — in a receiving room that included two top-12 NFL Draft picks. But with Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson out of the picture, other wide receivers could step up and help Smith-Njigba.

That’s where Marvin Harrison Jr. joins the conversation, and Smith-Njigba said the sophomore wideout has taken big strides over the offseason.

Harrison played in four games last season, totaling 11 receptions for 131 yards and three touchdowns, all of which came in the Buckeyes’ Rose Bowl victory over Utah. He and Smith-Njigba formed quite a punch in that Rose Bowl showcase and that could continue into this season.

In fact, Smith-Njigba said Harrison is already making strides, notably in the weight room thanks to strength coach Mickey “Coach Mick” Marotti.

“Coach Mick definitely got him right in the weight room,” Smith-Njigba said at Big Ten Media Days. “Physical, speed too. He puts countless hours of work, so we have all the trust in Marvin for real. Can’t guard Marv.”