Marvin Harrison Jr. from Ohio State is not participating in Cotton Bowl practices, and his availability for the game is uncertain.
Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. has not made an official declaration for the 2024 NFL Draft, but indications suggest he is leaning in that direction. Despite being widely projected to be chosen among the top-five picks in the upcoming draft, Harrison was present in Arlington, Texas, where the No. 7 Buckeyes were practicing for the Cotton Bowl game against No. 9 Missouri. However, Harrison was not actively participating in the practice, and he was not in pads. Instead, he was observed engaging in a light workout on an exercise bike nearby while his teammates were on the field.
It comes as little surprise that Harrison opted out of the game, given his impressive college career positioning him as a strong contender to be the first non-quarterback selected in the 2024 draft. While there is a slim possibility that he could go No. 1 overall, depending on the decisions of the Chicago Bears or Arizona Cardinals, Harrison hinted in early December that he might play in the Cotton Bowl to conclude his college career on a high note with a win. Despite Ohio State’s regular-season loss to archrival Michigan, Harrison suggested there was still a chance he could return for his senior year.
As the 2023 Biletnikoff Award winner for the best college football wide receiver, Harrison committed to being with his teammates for the Cotton Bowl, regardless of his playing status. However, his presence in Texas suggests that while he honors that commitment, the likelihood of Harrison suiting up again for Ohio State before transitioning to the NFL is diminishing.
In the 2023 season, Harrison lived up to high preseason expectations following a standout 2022 campaign. He concluded the regular season ranked ninth in the FBS in receiving yards with 1,211 and tied for second in touchdown catches with 14, standing out as the lone non-quarterback finalist for the 2023 Heisman Trophy.
