Scarlet Sunrise: Garrett Wilson named NFL Rookie of the Week for third time

Good morning, Ohio State fans, and welcome to the Scarlet Sunrise. Football will always be our focus, but every day we’ll cover news, notes and analysis from across Buckeyes sports. Join us each morning to get caught up on everything you missed in the world of Buckeyes football, recruiting, basketball and more in Scarlet Sunrise.

Garrett Wilson named NFL Rookie of the Year for third time

Garrett Wilson had himself a day last weekend against the Chicago Bears. The former Ohio State star wide receiver thrived with quarterback Mike White at the helm, catching five passes for 95 yards and a pair of scores. He became the first New York Jets rookie wideout to post multiple two-touchdown games. Wilson’s strong performance featured a catch-and-run, 54-yard score, which staked the Jets to a 14-10 lead in a game they ultimately won.

Wilson was also recognized as the NFL Rookie of the Week in Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns and in Week 8 versus the New England Patriots. He now has 49 receptions for 628 receiving yards and four touchdowns this season.

Chris Olave leads NFL rookies in receptions, receiving yards

As good as Wilson’s been, his former Ohio State teammate, Chris Olave, has been even better. Olave, who went one pick after Wilson in the top 15 of last year’s NFL Draft, currently leads NFL rookies in receptions (56) and receiving yards (822). Olave also has three touchdowns to his name this season.

Olave needs 316 receiving yards to break the New Orleans Saints rookie record of 1,137, which was set by Michael Thomas — another Buckeyes stud wideout — back in 2016.

Speaking of former Ohio State wideouts…Brian Hartline says he’s staying put in Columbus

Ohio State wide receivers coach and passing-game coordinator Brian Hartline reportedly interviewed for the Cincinnati head coaching vacancy. But he reaffirmed his commitment to the Buckeyes Thursday.

“I am aware of the speculation surrounding my name connected to other vacant coaching positions and appreciate all of the support, but right now my heart is at Ohio State and I do not have any plans to go anywhere else,” Hartline said in a tweet.

Hartline, who played wideout at Ohio State from 2005-08, has established himself as one of the best position coaches in college football, helping his alama mater produce high-end NFL wide receiver talent. Since the start of the 2019 recruiting cycle, Hartline has reeled in at least one five-star wideout each year. He was promoted to passing-game coordinator this past offseason.

READ: Brian Hartline reaffirms commitment to Ohio State, has no plans ‘to go anywhere else’

How conference championship games, latest CFP rankings impact Buckeyes

Conference Championship Weekend starts today.

Ohio State fans have to pay attention to the Pac-12 title game, which kicks off at 8 p.m. between No. 4 USC and No. 11 Utah. The No. 5 Buckeyes’ most realistic path to the College Football Playoff involves the Trojans losing to the Utes. It would be USC’s second loss this season — plus its second loss to Utah in 2022 — and, remember, the CFP has never taken a two-loss team.

But what if that doesn’t happen? Can Ohio State sneak in with a TCU loss?

And where are the Buckeyes headed if they can’t back their way into the CFP?

Spencer Holbrook and Andy Backstrom discuss in a mid-week Lettermen Row video. Check it out:

Counting down

Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 359 days

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