Ohio State Buckeyes WR Marvin Harrison Jr. Posts Sixth-Best Odds To Win 2023 Heisman Trophy
Since 2000, only one receiver has taken home the Heisman Trophy, and Alabama's DeVonta Smith needed to finish with an FBS-leading 1,856 yards to secure the title over teammate Mac Jones and Clemson sensation Trevor Lawrence.
It's rare for a pass-catcher to haul in college football's most coveted award in an era where quarterbacks reign supreme. Those commanding the huddle usually command the votes in the race to New York City.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day could have spoken about his defense following a 24-10 win over Wisconsin. He could have mentioned how the run game found life for the first time in ages.
Instead, he spoke immediately of Marvin Harrison Jr., perhaps the only receiver in college football who stands a chance of winning the Heisman later this year.
"I think he's the best player in the country," Day said of Harrison on NBC postgame.
Vegas isn't far behind Day regarding the Heisman conversation, either. According to BetMGM, Harrison currently has +1300 odds to win the title, the sixth-best odds of any player, and the best of any non-quarterback.
Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. leads the charge at +275 following a four-touchdown performance against Stanford. Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy (+300), LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (+450), Oregon quarterback Bo Nix (+600) and Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis (+800) round out the top five.
But Harrison, who finished with six catches for 123 yards and two touchdowns, still remains in the race. His 889 receiving yards rank sixth nationally among FBS receivers, while his eight touchdowns are tied for 10th.
Consistency has been the essential element for Harrison's case, and few can attest to similar numbers since the start of October. The 6-4 junior has finished with at least six catches and a touchdown in the previous four games while totaling over 100 yards.
Harrison is triple-digit performance away from tying David Boston with the most 100-yard games in program history, and matchups against Rutgers, Michigan State and Minnesota bode well for him to break the record before taking on No. 2 Michigan in Ann Arbor on Nov. 25.
Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Ricardo Hallman (2) defends the pass intended for Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during the first quarter at Camp Randall Stadium.
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Entering November, Harrison had better odds than Oklahoma quarterback Dillion Gabriel (+2500), Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (+3000), North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye (+6600), and USC quarterback reigning Heisman winner Caleb Williams (+8000) to win the award. And among non-quarterbacks, only Michigan running back Blake Corum (+12500) ranks inside the top-15.
The No. 3 Buckeyes (8-0, 5-0 Big Ten) have never had a receiver finish top-10 in Heisman Trophy voting. Quarterback C.J. Stroud was a two-time finalist the past two seasons, but his numbers exceeded his receivers' play.
Since 2000, only defensive end Chase Young (2019) has finished top-five in voting as an Ohio State non-quarterback. Harrison, who's on pace to post with better numbers than his breakout sophomore season, could be the first.
The Buckeyes travel to Piscataway, N.J., to take on Rutgers this Saturday at noon E.T.
