The Tampa Bay Buccaneers opened the 2025 NFL season with a 23-20 win over the Atlanta Falcons, and it wouldn't have been possible without their newest pass-catcher.
Tampa Bay used the 19th pick in the 2025 draft to select wide receiver Emeka Egbuka from Ohio State, and the selection paid off immediately. Egbuka finished his NFL debut with four catches for 69 yards, including two touchdown catches.
At just 22, Egbuka showed savvy well beyond his years, stepping up in the game's biggest moment. Trailing by six points with just over one minute to go in regulation, Egbuka turned in the first of what could be many signature moments in his career.
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Here's a look inside one of the best first impressions Egbuka could have possibly made.
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How Emeka Egbuka played hero in Buccaneers' comeback win over Falcons
Egbuka's heroics begin with his touchdown catch — an impressive snag from a beautiful throw made by Baker Mayfield.
Make that ✌️ for @EgbukaEmeka
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 7, 2025
📺: #TBvsATL on FOX pic.twitter.com/17FJYxyE4v
With his team trailing by three points in a divisional matchup that could prove to be crucial down the season's stretch run, Egbuka was seemingly unfazed by the moment. The poise makes sense when considering the last time he appeared in a meaningful football game, it was the CFP championship.
Egbuka was justifiably fired up.
EMEKA EGBUKA!!! pic.twitter.com/qC1CRMrjyj
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 7, 2025
Tampa Bay did not connect on the extra point and Atlanta had an opportunity to tie with a field goal on its final drive, but the kick was no good. Thanks to Egbuka's catch, the Buccaneers left Mercedes-Benz Stadium with a 1-0 record and the top spot in the NFC South.
The rookie has developed incredible chemistry with Mayfield, a welcome sight for Tampa Bay and its fans. With opposing defenses keying in on Mike Evans, Egbuka has the benefit of dealing with backup and third-string CBs, depending on the eventual return of Chris Godwin.
In the first half, Egbuka scored the first touchdown of his career on another beautiful dime from Mayfield.
2️⃣ for 6️⃣ on our first touchdown of Season 50 🙌
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 7, 2025
📺: #TBvsATL on FOX pic.twitter.com/6ofWYLIhSy
If early returns are any indication, Egbuka is shaping up to be the perfect heir apparent for Evans. Fans will always look back to his heroic debut as the genesis of a bountiful career in Bucs pewter.
Emeka Egbuka Week 1 stats vs. Falcons
- Targets: 6
- Receptions: 4
- Total yards: 67
- TDs: 2