Post-OSU Update: Ken-Yon Rambo was selected 229th overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. He last two years in the NFL, playing 29 games for the Cowboys and making 17 catches. Rambo caught on in the CFL in 2005, eventually leading the league in receiving yards in 2008. In total, Rambo played 103 games over eight season in Canada. (updated: Apr. 2022)

Major: Sociology (1999-00)

Weight: 190 (1999-00), 185 (1997)

2000 Media Guide: Ken-Yon Rambo is one of the most dangerous players in the Big Ten Conference. There is no substitute for speed and Rambo has it. He’s been blazing past baffled cornerbacks and safeties since he was a freshman. But after two years behind one of the best receivers in school history and one season as a starter, Rambo’s skills – soft hands and precision route-running – are developing at an accelerated pace. “He has the capability of taking the ball 80 yards down the field on every play,” quarterback Steve Bellisari said. “He can make one guy miss and you’re not going to catch him. He has that capability for every play.” By the end of the season, Rambo developed into one of Bellisari’s favorite targets. Look for that chemistry to continue this season. Rambo’s natural athleticism also makes him hard to bring down after the catch. As a senior, he’ll be expected to not only be one of the top receivers on the Ohio State roster but one of the top wideouts nationally. “Ken-Yon is one of our more talented players on the offensive side of the ball. He’s a big-play player and will be a big factor in determining our success this season.” Tim Salem, receivers coach, said.

1999: Started all 12 games at flanker and led all Ohio State wide receivers with 250 minutes played … an honorable mention all-Big Ten selection by both the coaches and the media … captured the Paul Warfield Award, given annually to Ohio State’s top receiver … ranked fourth in the Big Ten in receiving yards per game (69.4) and all-purpose yards per game (128.3) … ranked 10th in the conference in receptions per game (3.42) … posted the eight- and ninth-biggest receiving days in Ohio State football history, respectively gaining 181 yards on seven catches and Ohio and 179 yards on seven catches versus Iowa … also enjoyed a big day against Cincinnati with three receptions for 164 yards … developed into Ohio State’s big-play man with 13 catches in excess of 30 yards and five receptions over 50 yards … longest catch of the year (and of his career) was a 68-yard touchdown strike versus Ohio … caught eight passes against UCLA, the most of any OSU player in 1999 … as the team’s primary kickoff return man, piled on 653 yards on 31 returns (21.1 yard average) … ranked fifth in the conference in kickoff returns … recorded a season- and career-long 53-yard kickoff return against Michigan.

1999 Media Guide: It would be tough to find a Buckeye who is looking forward to more, or will be better prepared for the 1999 football season than the athletic, graceful, extremely fast and talented Ken-Yon Rambo. “Ken-Yon understands and knows that this is his time and this is his opportunity to add to the legacy of great receivers at Ohio State,” receivers coach Chuck Stobart said. One of the most sought-after receivers in the country following his senior season at Long Beach Poly, Rambo has played behind 1999 Green Bay Packers’ draft pick Dee Miller the past two seasons. He has played in 23 games and caught 12 passes for 222 yards, an alarming 18.5 yards per catch average. He has also returned 16 kickoffs at an average of 21.1 yards per return.

1998: Was hindered at the start of the season with a left ankle sprain that kept him out of the first two games. The injury seemed to hang with him the entire season as well. Played in 10 games as a punt and kickoff return man and also as the backup flanker to the talented Miller. Caught five passes for 77 yards (a 15.4 yard average) with a long gain of 39 yards coming against Illinois. Averaged 20.1 yards per kickoff return off 20 returns and he also averaged 6.7 yards per punt return off 19 returns. Led the Buckeyes in number of returns in both categories.

1997: Played in all 13 games and caught seven passes for 145 yards. Caught his first collegiate touchdown (a 38-yard pass from Mark Garcia in the Northwestern game). Had high games of two receptions for 48 yards vs. Bowling Green and two for 50, respectively, vs. Northwestern. Averaged 25 yards per kickoff return on four chances with a long of 42 yards.

1997 Media Guide: Regarded by many as the premier wide receiver recruit in the country … caught a school-record 79 passes for 1,096 yards (14.2 per catch) and 17 touchdowns in 13 games … also set a school record with a 95-yard TD reception … hauled in 163 career passes for 2,161 yards and 35 touchdowns … also totaled 1,509 career yards in kickoff and punt returns … consensus All-American, garnering honors from The National Recruiting Advisor, PrepStar, GW Report, Prep Football Report, and SuperPrep … a USA Today first team selection on offense … rated the top receiver in the country by The National Recruiting Advisor … a four-year letter winner and three-year starter who helped Poly capture four league titles … competed in the Cal-Tex Shrine game … also a standout track athlete … enjoys music and reading … his career goal is to get his degree … the two people he most admires are his mom and dad, Jaunita and Cedric Rambo … chose Ohio State because he wanted to get away from home, liked the coaching staff, the campus, the atmosphere and Coach Cooper … born 10-4-78.