Emeka Egbuka, Denzel Burke Headline Ohio State NFL Hopefuls Playing Cotton Bowl

Egbuka added that while he was certain of his availability for the Cotton Bowl, he is still deciding on whether to return to the Buckeyes or declare for the NFL Draft. Regardless of his choice for next season, Egbuka said it was important for him to end this year on the field.

"I feel like every chance you get to step on the field is something you shouldn't take for granted," Egbuka said. "Playing football, we're blessed to be able to do, so you never know when an injury might come or your opportunities to play with some of your best friends might run out. So, just getting the opportunity to go down to a great venue in Dallas and play against an opponent that's really good is a blessing in and of itself and is something I didn't want to pass up."

Burke had the same reasons as Egbuka for wanting to take the field against the Tigers, and also said his status for next season is still to be determined. However, Burke said the feelings he and Egbuka have about playing in the Cotton Bowl are shared by a majority of the Ohio State locker room.

"I'm pretty sure everybody is playing," Burke said.

Burke's read on his teammates seemed to be proven right when seven other Buckeyes shared they will play against Missouri, including defensive end Jack Sawyer, receiver Xavier Johnson and offensive tackle Donovan Jackson.

The No. 7 Ohio State Buckeyes take on the No. 9 Missouri Tigers in the 2023 Goodyear Cotton Bowl at 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 29. Coverage of the game will air live on ESPN from AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas.