Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka is entering the 2026 season with a chip on his shoulder—and a clear vision for expanding his role on the field. During a recent appearance on Up & Adams, Egbuka opened up about his excitement for new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson's system, and he didn't shy away from revealing one specific area where he wants to make a bigger impact: rushing the football.

"Definitely feel comfortable with the ball in my hands," Egbuka said when asked if he'd like more opportunities to contribute to the run game. That confidence is backed by his college tape at Ohio State, where the former Buckeye was known primarily as a polished route runner and reliable target. But Ohio State also used him creatively on designed runs and gadget plays, capitalizing on his vision and explosiveness in space. Over his collegiate career, Egbuka racked up 25 rushing attempts for 145 yards and two touchdowns, averaging an impressive 5.8 yards per carry on limited touches.

Now, under Robinson—a disciple of Sean McVay's offensive tree—those opportunities could multiply. Robinson's system thrives on motion-heavy concepts, manufactured touches, and positional versatility. NFL offenses are increasingly looking for ways to create easy, high-percentage plays for their playmakers, and Egbuka's ability after the catch makes him a perfect candidate for jet sweeps, orbit motions, and even backfield packages.

At 6-foot-1 and roughly 205 pounds, Egbuka has the build to handle those added responsibilities. He's not just a finesse slot receiver relying on speed; he runs with balance, physicality, and strong contact control—traits that consistently showed up after the catch at Ohio State. For the Buccaneers, adding another motion-based element to the offense could be a game-changer. While Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan thrive as traditional receivers, Egbuka brings a whole new dimension to the attack.

As the 2026 season approaches, all signs point to Egbuka being ready to do more than just catch passes. He's ready to run, create, and make defenders miss—and the Bucs' offense might be all the better for it.