Chris Olave: From Ohio State Star to NFL Standout
Christian Josiah Olave (born June 27, 2000), most famously known as Chris Olave, is an American professional football wide receiver currently playing for the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League (NFL). His journey to the NFL began with a stellar college career at Ohio State University, where he cemented his legacy as one of the program's all-time greats.
Early Life and High School Career
Born in San Ysidro, California, Olave's athletic abilities were evident early on. His diverse heritage, with Cuban roots on his father's side and African-American on his mother's, shaped his background. He honed his football skills at Eastlake High School in Chula Vista for two seasons before transferring to Mission Hills High School in San Marcos, California. Due to California Interscholastic Federation transfer rules, he was required to sit out his junior year. During his senior season, Olave showcased his exceptional talent by catching 93 passes for 1,764 yards and 26 touchdowns, foreshadowing his future success.
College Career at Ohio State
Olave committed to Ohio State, where he played college football and quickly made an impact.
2018 Season: Freshman Year
As a freshman in 2018, Olave contributed both on offense and special teams. He made his presence known early, appearing in several games and demonstrating his potential. A significant moment was during the Michigan game where he blocked a punt, a play that shifted momentum and helped propel Ohio State to victory. He also had two touchdown receptions in the same game against Michigan. Against Northwestern in the Big Ten Championship, Olave recorded a touchdown catch. These early contributions hinted at the significant role he would play in the years to come.
2019 Season: Sophomore Year
Olave continued to develop as a sophomore, becoming an integral part of the Buckeyes' offense. During the season, he recorded multiple receiving touchdowns and surpassed the 100-yard mark in receiving yards in several games.
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2020 Season: Junior Year
In 2020, Olave's performance remained consistent, despite the challenges posed by a shortened season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His dedication and skill were evident as he continued to be a reliable target for the Ohio State quarterbacks.
2021 Season: Senior Year
The 2021 season was a standout year for Olave. He recorded four games with multiple receiving touchdowns and five games where he exceeded 100 receiving yards. By the end of his college career, Olave had etched his name in Ohio State's record books, holding the school record for the most career touchdown receptions with 35.
NFL Career
2022 NFL Draft
Olave's impressive college career led to him being selected by the New Orleans Saints in the first round (11th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft.
2022 Season: Rookie Year
Olave quickly transitioned into the professional arena, making his NFL debut in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. In that game, he recorded three receptions for 41 yards and a crucial two-point conversion, contributing to the Saints' victory. His role continued to expand, and in Week 3 against the Carolina Panthers, he had nine receptions for 147 yards. Week 4 saw him score his first professional touchdown on a four-yard reception from Andy Dalton against the Minnesota Vikings.
Despite a setback in Week 6 due to a concussion against the Seattle Seahawks, which caused him to miss a game, Olave concluded the 2022 season with two more games exceeding 100 receiving yards. By the end of his rookie year, Olave had solidified his position as a key player for the Saints, earning recognition on the 2022 NFL All-Rookie Team.
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2023 Season
In 2023, Olave continued to be a significant part of the Saints' offense. However, the season wasn't without its challenges. In Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he suffered his third career concussion, causing him to miss a game. Another concussion in Week 9 sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Off the field, Olave faced legal issues when he was arrested on suspicion of reckless driving.
2024 Season
Before Week 1, Olave was activated from the Active/Non-Football Injury list. In January 2026, Olave was sidelined for the finale due to a blood clot.
Statistics and Analytics
Chris Olave's statistics reflect his explosiveness and efficiency as a player. His Explosive Play Rating (EPX) provides a comprehensive measure of his ability to create impactful plays, considering both per-play efficiency and the total volume of explosive plays. This rating is scaled to league averages, offering a clear picture of his performance relative to his peers.
Additionally, metrics such as Value Over Stream (VOS) offer insights into Olave's fantasy football value, measuring his points per game above the average waiver wire replacement. The Player Popularity Index (PPI) further illustrates his visibility and interest among fans.
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