Ohio State’s wide receiver, Marvin Harrison Jr., has yet to formally announce his decision to join the 2024 NFL Draft, but indications strongly suggest he’s leaning in that direction.
Despite being widely predicted to secure a spot within the top five picks of the upcoming draft, Harrison’s presence during the No. 7 Buckeyes’ practice session for the Cotton Bowl against No. 9 Missouri in Arlington, Texas was without active participation. He wasn’t geared up or engaging in practice; instead, he was observed lightly exercising on an adjacent stationary bike while his teammates trained.
Given his stellar college career, positioning him as the likely first non-quarterback selection in the upcoming draft, it’s not unexpected that Harrison might choose to sit out of the game. There’s an outside chance he could even be picked first overall, should the Chicago Bears or Arizona Cardinals retain their respective top picks and opt to retain their current quarterbacks.
Earlier in December, Harrison hinted at the possibility of playing in the Cotton Bowl, expressing a desire to finish with a victory after Ohio State’s consecutive losses to archrival Michigan. He even implied a potential return for his senior year despite the recurring defeats against Michigan.
Despite the commitment to stand by his teammates for the Cotton Bowl, regardless of his actual play, Harrison’s presence in Texas strongly suggests that he’ll honor that pledge. However, it’s becoming increasingly unlikely that he’ll take to the field for Ohio State again before heading to the NFL.
In 2023, Harrison, honored with the Biletnikoff Award as college football’s top wide receiver, exceeded high preseason expectations after a breakthrough 2022 season. He wrapped up the regular season ranking ninth in receiving yards in the FBS with 1,211 and tied for second in touchdown catches with 14 among all FBS players.
