Star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. sat out of the Cotton Bowl Classic against Missouri, sparking speculation that he may forego his senior season at Ohio State and declare for the 2024 NFL draft.
The 6-foot-4, 205-pound athlete was noticeably absent from Friday night’s game, and reports indicated that he had been riding a stationary bike on the sideline during practice sessions earlier in the week. His absence from the game comes as a surprise, especially considering he was announced as a finalist for the Heisman Memorial Trophy and was voted fourth in the race.
Harrison’s decision to sit out of the Cotton Bowl has stirred discussion about his future in college football and the possibility of a move to the NFL. Although he is yet to declare for the draft, experts widely consider the wide receiver to be an elite prospect and the top receiver in college football. In a recent mock draft, Harrison was projected to be picked No. 3 overall by the Arizona Cardinals.
Despite the strong possibility of being a high pick in the draft, Harrison spoke in December of the motivation to return to Ohio State for another season, citing the desire to win a Big Ten championship and beat Michigan. ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit also suggested that it is no longer a sure thing that Harrison will enter the draft.
Harrison’s stats in the 2023 season are impressive, with 67 catches for 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns. Notably, his performance in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Georgia demonstrated his impact on the field, with 106 receiving yards and two scores in a close, one-point loss.
As discussions about his future continue, it remains to be seen whether Harrison will decide to remain at Ohio State for another season or make the leap to the NFL. Regardless, his absence from the Cotton Bowl has undoubtedly raised questions about his next move.