Ohio State will once again have representation on the NFL’s biggest stage as Super Bowl LIX approaches, with the Kansas City Chiefs set to face the Philadelphia Eagles. However, the Buckeyes’ presence will be limited to just one player this time.
For the second time in three seasons, only a single former Buckeye has made it to the championship game. Wide receiver Parris Campbell, who played for Ohio State from 2014 to 2018, is the sole representative. Over his collegiate career, he recorded 143 receptions for 1,768 yards and 15 touchdowns, playing a crucial role alongside Terry McLaurin (now with the Washington Commanders) and Johnny Dixon in shaping the wide receiver unit under Brian Hartline’s leadership.
Campbell’s Legacy at Ohio State
Campbell was a key part of Ohio State’s explosive 2018 offense, which shattered multiple passing records with Dwayne Haskins at quarterback. Playing from the slot alongside K.J. Hill, Campbell set a school record with 90 receptions, surpassing David Boston’s 20-year-old mark of 85. Though Jaxon Smith-Njigba later broke that record with 95 catches in 2021, Campbell’s performance remains one of the most impressive in Buckeye history.
His breakout season saw him rack up 1,063 yards and 12 touchdowns, making him only the fifth player at the time to post a 1,000-yard receiving season for Ohio State. Since then, that milestone has been achieved by multiple Buckeye receivers, including Emeka Egbuka and Jeremiah Smith this past season.
NFL Journey and Super Bowl Opportunity
Campbell entered the NFL as a second-round pick by the Indianapolis Colts in 2019, spending four seasons there before moving to the New York Giants for a year. Now a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, he has played a limited role this season, recording six catches for 30 yards. However, even with a minor contribution, he has a chance to leave the Super Bowl with a championship ring.
Ohio State Coaching Staff Sees More Departures
Following a national championship-winning season, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is facing significant turnover on his coaching staff. Defensive graduate assistant La’Allen Clark has accepted a new role as Texas’ outside linebackers coach, adding to the list of staff members departing this offseason.
Clark, who spent the last two years assisting Larry Johnson’s defensive line unit, is the sixth member to leave, joining:
• Mike Sollenne(graduate assistant)
• Riley Larkin(offensive assistant)
• Jim Knowles(defensive coordinator)
• Justin Frye(offensive line coach)
• Chip Kelly(offensive coordinator)
Key Dates for Ohio State Fans
Here are some important dates to keep an eye on for Buckeye football:
• National Signing Day– Feb. 5, 2025 (2 days away)
• NFL Combine– Feb. 27-March 2, 2025 (24 days away)
• NFL Draft– April 24-26, 2025 (80 days away)
• Ohio State vs. Texas (Season Opener)– Aug. 30, 2025 (211 days away)
• Ohio State vs. Penn State– Nov. 1, 2025 (274 days away)
• The Game (Ohio State vs. Michigan)– Nov. 29, 2025 (302 days away)
As Ohio State continues to prepare for the next season, Buckeye fans will be watching closely as Parris Campbell represents the Scarlet and Gray on Super Bowl Sunday.
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