Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. was out at the Heisman finalist ceremony last night. He finished fourth in the voting but part of the ceremony is being in front of the press. Harrison Jr. has been adamant that he hasn’t decided what he is doing in 2024 despite being projected as a top-five pick in the NFL Draft. He remained cryptic on Saturday Night.
You know, I still think Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr. turns pro, but @brdispatch said he sensed that Harrison genuine when he said he hadn't made up his mind, and tonight at the Heisman ceremony, Harrison referred to his college career "so far."
— Lori Schmidt (@LoriSchmidt) December 10, 2023
Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr. On 2024
A local Buckeyes beat writer got the sense that the son of the NFL Hall of Famer truly hasn’t made up his mind. He referred to his college career as “so far” and didn’t reveal any of his plans. Harrison Jr. has said that he really wants to beat the Michigan Wolverines and play in the Big Ten Championship. By way of default that would also mean a College Football Playoff appearance. The Buckeyes haven’t been able to beat Michigan since Harrison Jr. came to Columbus and he seems to want to accomplish that before he leaves college.
NIL Changes The Game
NIL means that Harrison Jr. can make just as much if not more than a top-five draft pick rookie contract. However, I think this is a little short-sighted. Yes in the short term, Harrison Jr. could make just as much but he is delaying his ability for a mega extension by a year. NIL cannot compete with a maximum wide receiver contract in the NFL. A lot can happen in another year in football and I believe it would be a huge risk to return.
Ultimately, I think he goes to the NFL but the fact that he seems to be genuinely considering it makes me not want to guarantee my hunch. This will be an interesting storyline to watch in the college football offseason.