Ohio State Buckeyes WR Marvin Harrison Jr. Still 'Waiting' To Determine NFL Draft Future

Buckeyes receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. remains undecided on his future with the NFL following a loss to Michigan in Week 13.

Marvin Harrison Jr. could end up being the first non-quarterback selected in the 2024 NFL Draft in April. For now, his sights are preparing for the bowl game. 

During an interview on the Big Ten Network, the junior Ohio State receiver said he's "waiting to see how the rest of this year plays out” before making a decision on his future and that his attention was on bowl practices with his teammates. 

“Just sticking with one another, getting better during bowl prep,” Harrison said when asked about his draft status. “I always look forward to bowl practices, they're always super exciting. Kind of gets the spring ball vibe again and you’re not really game-planning for a team just yet, but I definitely look forward to going out there and competing against our defense, who’s been great all year.”

Harrison, who was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and Receiver of the Year, shined during his junior season in Columbus. The Belitnikoff Award finalist didn't surpass his breakout sophomore production, but he did finish with 67 catches for 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns. 

Son of former Hall of Fame pass-catcher and Indianapolis Colts legend Marvin Harrison, Marvin Harrison Jr. carried the offense during the three-game stint without Emeka Egbuka. His best game came against then-No. 10 Penn State, where he notched 11 catches for 162 yards and two touchdowns. 

Harrison said no decision on his future has been made, leaving a window open for him to return for his senior season. 

Marvin Harrison Jr. and Kyle McCord celebrate a touchdown at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio / © Kyle Robertson, The Columbus Dispatch

"[I'm] just taking it one day at a time right now and see how the rest of this year plays out,” Harrison said. “Really, it starts with how the rest of this year plays out, and then I’ll get with my family and we'll go from there.”

One of Harrison's goals while playing for the Buckeyes has been beating Michigan and winning a Big Ten Championship. The No. 2 Wolverines have won the last three contests against Ohio State, including picking up the 30-24 victory in Ann Arbor on Saturday. 

Michigan will have a chance to post back-to-back undefeated regular seasons with a win over No. 16 Iowa on Saturday night at Lucas Oil Stadium in the Big Ten Championship. 

Harrison was honest when talking about his future with the Buckeyes, stating Week 12's win 37-3 over Minnesota might have been the final time he suits up at Ohio Stadium. 

Said Harrison: "Looking back on everything, I didn’t expect to accomplish as much as I did in my career here. It's not exactly over yet, but it was a definitely special moment, a special place, to play in front of those fans each and every Saturday. It’s definitely something I’m going to miss.”

No. 6 Ohio State (11-1, 8-1 Big Ten) still has an outside chance of making the College Football Playoff, but chaos must ensue over conference championship weekend for the dream to become a reality. 

Should the Buckeyes make the final four, expect Harrison to play in the postseason. If not, his status for Ohio State's final game remains a mystery. And Harrison isn't planning on making any decisions until after selection Sunday. 

Kyle McCord Makes Case For Marvin Harrison Jr. as Heisman Candidate

One element that could factor into his decision to play is the team's camaraderie inside the locker room.

“Coming into college, you had a set group of friends, and then just seeing how that expands to all the groups of positions. From the runningbacks to the DBs to D-linemen to linebackers, just how you all came together throughout the whole season and stuck with one another," said Harrison. "That’s probably the thing I'm most proud about.”