Brian Hartline Names Top Five Ohio State WRs Since 2017

Brian Hartline has a favorite pass-catcher that's entered Columbus since being on staff starting in 2017.

Brian Hartline knows wide receiver talent. Since joining the Ohio State Buckeyes staff in 2017, countless pass-catchers have heard their names called during the NFL draft. 

Several have gone on to Pro Bowl-caliber careers after honing in on their craft under Hartline's teaching. A handful have even garnered first-round buzz, including Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave last April. 

The Buckeyes' first-year offensive coordinator might not have a favorite receiver, but he can admit that some are more polished than others. So, which former Buckeye is the best he has coached?

During an interview on the "Bussin' With The Boys" podcast with former Nebraska linebacker Will Compton and former Michigan offensive lineman Taylor Lewan, Harltine ranked his top-three receivers to come through Columbus. The best? Try the kid who still has another season of eligibility. 

"I would say Marvin (Harrison Jr.) right now," Hartline said. "NFL makeup, NFL prototype. Marvin is an NFL prototype."

Harrison, the son of Hall of Fame receiver Marvin Harrison, became the go-to target for C.J. Stroud following a season-ending injury to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Averaging 14.6 yards per catch, the 6-4 sophomore from Philadelphia finished with 77 catches for 1,263 yards and 14 TDs. 

Nationally, Harrison ranked second among FBS receivers in yards and fourth in touchdowns. 

Speaking of Smith-Njigba, Hartline named him the second-best receiver. Both Wilson and Olave, who became the first rookie duo from the same college to total over 1,000 yards, have said on multiple occasions that the junior would end up having a more successful career in the pros than either of them. Hartline won't downplay the breakout performances from either player, but he would tend to agree. 

"The only reason why I feel very comfortable saying that is because Chris and Garrett chose him as well," Hartline said.

Smith-Njigba was limited to three games in 2022 due to a hamstring injury, but still is expected to be a first-round pick later this month. The production in 2021 was uncanny as JSN led the Buckeyes in both yards and receptions. Scouts have praised his ability to change direction at the drop off of a hat and with precision rather than straight-line speed as a route-runner. 

Hartline gave Wilson the nod as the No. 3 option after winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in the Big Apple. Consistency was essential for the former Buckeye as four different passers took snaps at quarterback. 

That didn't stop Wilson from totaling 83 catches for over 1,100 yards and four TDs.

"Garrett had a hell of a year, obviously, Rookie of the Year. Probably have to give him the nod just because of that," Hartline said. 

Hartline initially ranked Olave as his No. 4 receiver but eventually turned it into a "coin flip" between one other Pro Bowl-caliber target. Although his production improved once in the NFL, Hartline said that Washington Commanders' receiver Terry McLaurin was the more proven commodity, thus giving him a slight advantage. 

"That's worth its weight in gold," Hartline said of McLaurin's experience. "A guy doing it one year is one thing — and Chris knows how much I love him — but you're talking about an elite group of dudes there. It's easy to do it once. Really hard to do it two, three, four, five."

Despite playing with seven different quarterbacks since being drafted in the third round, McLaurin has been one of the more consistent playmakers in the pros. Since 2020, McLaurin has recorded at least 77 receptions, for 1,050 yards and four TDs. 

Olave, who was drafted 11th overall last April, finished with 72 catches for 1,042 and four TDs and averaged 14.5 yards per catch in 15 games. 

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