As the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers square off in Week 8, all eyes should be on the two former Ohio State wide receivers in this NFC South clash. 

Tampa Bay struck gold with its 2025 first round draft choice. Seen as a luxury pick at the time, it has since proven vital to the Bucs’ passing attack: Mike Evans suffered a broken collarbone in Week 7 and will miss most of the remainder of the season, while Chris Godwin Jr. has been active just twice in his return from a dislocated ankle and recent fibula injury. 

New Orleans has a 1-6 record and a roster full of aging players. Alvin Kamara has hit the running back death sentence that is 30 years old, and is averaging just 3.6 yards per carry, the lowest of his career. The Saints’ all-time leader in games played, Cameron Jordan, and tenured defensive captain, Demario Davis, are both 36 years old. So let's look at the youngsters expected to make an impact.

The former Ohio State wide receiver has been a revelation in his rookie season, turning heads since training camp with his crisp route running and cerebral recognition of coverage schemes. Here are some of Egbuka’s stats and where he ranks in the NFL among all wide receivers in 2025:

Receiving Yards: 527 (7th)

Receiving Touchdowns: 5 (T-5th)

Yards per Reception: 17 (T-6th)

Longest Reception: 77 (T-6th)

Egbuka also leads all rookie wide receivers in receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, yards per reception, longest reception, and yards after catch. Here is what Baker Mayfield had to say about his new receiver, before Egbuka played an NFL down:

“He's well-rounded and not just in football, in life. I think he's grounded, and I think he's just genuine in everything he does. He's intentional. You just don't see that often, and especially as a rookie with the talent that he has, you really don't see it often.”

Trade rumors have begun to swirl, and Chris Olave is a name constantly in the mix. Many teams are looking for offensive playmakers, and the Saints have perhaps the best one available. Olave is under contract for one more season, but will likely require a new deal before he laces up his cleats next year. New Orleans is in a less-than-favorable salary cap position, and must consider a hard reset under their new head coach. 

Olave will bring back valuable draft pick compensation in a trade. There will undoubtedly be multiple teams looking to acquire his services. One of the most talented receivers in the league, Olave is No. 2 in the NFL in targets with 71, only behind the reigning triple crown winner, Ja’Marr Chase. With back-to-back games of 98 receiving yards, and two touchdowns in his most recent performance, many eyes across the league will be closely watching Chris Olave in Week 8.