The Tampa Bay Buccaneers knew what they were doing entering the 2025 NFL Draft. With their first-round pick, the team added another wide receiver to the Mike Evans-Chris Godwin tandem in the form of Emeka Egbuka. Coming in from Ohio State, he had compiled a solid resume for the Buckeyes.
However, his first start in the league was about as good as one could expect. It immediately put the rest of the NFL on notice, as an elite Tampa Bay offense from last season added another dynamic to its unit. What did the rookie wide receiver put up in his first career start?
Emeka Egbuka Shines in Debut
The Buccaneers got off to a slow start in the first half, going scoreless for the entire first quarter. However, the offense started going in the second, with back-to-back scores in quick succession.
After a field goal brought them their first points of the year, Egbuka hauled in a 30-yard pass to give the Buccaneers their first lead and touchdown of the contest. His sensational night continued, as he made explosive plays time and again.
For the day, he ended up 67 yards on four receptions, while rushing for nine yards in his singular attempt. However, his impact was even greater than those numbers suggest. Not only did he lead all skill position players in yards and touchdowns, but he was also the game’s hero.
After a protracted sequence with some controversial calls, the Falcons retook the lead 20-17 with a little over two minutes remaining in the contest. Tampa Bay had to respond with a gutsy drive.
Thankfully, with Baker Mayfield at the helm, they were able to deliver. Stringing together a solid drive, the Buccaneers found themselves at the 22-yard line. Rather than continue a steady progression, the former first overall pick took a shot into the end zone.
EMEKA EGBUKA SCORES WITH 59 SECONDS LEFT 🚨
WHAT A START TO HIS ROOKIE SEASON 🤯
(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/ANTEbakIru— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 7, 2025
The long ball immediately paid off as he again found Egbuka for his second touchdown of the night. It gave them a 23-20 lead that was enough to give them the victory in the first week of the season.
Furthermore, it also capped off an excellent debut game for Egbuka, who solidified himself on the depth chart and carved out a niche for himself on the roster. Bookending the game with two touchdowns on just four receptions for 67 yards, he was critical for Tampa Bay to get the win.
