Ohio State Buckeyes star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is expected to opt out of the Cotton Bowl against the Missouri Tigers as he has not been practicing.
The star WR is expected to be a high first-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft. Some even have him going in the top three.
This news all but confirms that Harrison jr. will be foregoing his last season with the Buckeyes and entering the draft. Most people expected Harrison jr. to enter the draft coming into this season given the fact that he has almost no way to improve his draft stock considering it is as high as it could possibly get.
Despite this, Harrison jr. was cryptic regarding his future as he made many statements alluding to the idea that he might be coming back because he wants to beat the Michigan Wolverines so badly.
Marvin Harrison Jr. even considering coming back to Ohio State because he didn’t beat Michigan & win the B1G just shows how much bigger “The Game” is than anything else. pic.twitter.com/unabAFGksv
— Saturday Tradition (@Tradition) December 14, 2023
Is Ohio State Football Star Marvin Harrison Jr COMING BACK in 2024? https://t.co/eJ1phGQ782
— Menace 2 Sports (@Menace2Sports) December 26, 2023
Harrison jr. was with the team for practice, but he was not in uniform, nor was he participating.
Start of Ohio State’s practice inside AT&T Stadium is open to media today. Marvin Harrison Jr. is here but not practicing.
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) December 26, 2023
Ohio State Buckeyes WR Marvin Harrison jr. is next up in a long line of NFL receivers produced by the Buckeyes
As Harrison jr. begins his NFL career, he will join a long line of NFL talent at the wide receiver position that came from Ohio State. Notable Buckeye receivers in the NFL are:
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seattle Seahawks)
- Michael Thomas (New Orleans Saints)
- Garrett Wilson (New York Jets)
- Chris Olave (New Orleans Saints)
- Parris Campbell (New York Giants)
- Terry Mclaurin (Washington Commanders)
- Curtis Samuel (Washington Commanders)
- Noah Brown (Houston Texans)
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receivers coach Brian Hartline produces NFL talent at an unmatched level. Other products of his such as Julian Fleming, who will be transferring, and Emeka Egbuka are also expected to be NFL players in the future.
With all of those names, Harrison jr. is touted by many as the best of them all. If he goes where he is expected in the NFL draft, he will be the highest-drafted. Harrison jr.’s talent transcends the wide receiver position, as it is extremely rare for a receiver to go as high as Harrison jr. is expected to go.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison jr. had a legendary career with the Buckeyes
In 2023, Harrison jr. had 1,211 yards receiving and 14 touchdowns on 67 receptions. He had 14 touchdowns in both of his two years as a starter for the Buckeyes, and managed to eclipse 1,200 yards both years as well.
While he did have 10 more receptions in 2022, Harrison jr. was more efficient with his receptions in the 2023 season as he averaged almost two more yards per reception.
Harrison jr. was one of the rare instances in which a wide receiver was named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. He did all of this with a quarterback that faced a lot of scrutiny from Ohio State Buckeyes fans in Kyle McCord. McCord had 24 touchdowns on the season, meaning more than half went to Marvin Harrison jr.
Harrison jr.’s versatility at the wide receiver position makes him an alluring candidate for NFL coaches. In an article from GQ Sports, Harrison jr. explains that he can play wherever is best for the team.
“Whatever is needed. Being out wide, it’s easier for the opponent to know where I’m at and to give me the double team. But it’s a lot harder in the slot. Wherever I’m at, I pick through the coverage. I make it challenging for defensive coordinators to gameplan because I don’t line up in one spot. I can line up anywhere on the field,” said Harrison jr.
Harrison jr. excelled in the 2023 season despite being the number one player that defenses had their eye on. He broke the century mark eight times this season, and he only had two games without a touchdown.
His decision to opt out of the bowl game will affect the Buckeyes greatly as they are already down a starting quarterback due to the transfer portal. Ohio State will also have to make due without another star receiver in Julian Fleming, who has also entered the transfer portal.
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