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Urban Meyer believes Marvin Harrison Jr. will win Heisman Trophy

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•05/04/23•

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Marvin Harrison Jr. by Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Michigan on Nov. 26. Harrison was a Biletnikoff Award finalist last season. (Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK)

If you were to ask someone who the best non-quarterback player in college football is, Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. would be a popular answer. Some might even believe he is the best player in the country after his dominant 2022 season. You can place Urban Meyer in that boat, with the former head coach having strong words to say about Harrison.

Meyer believes Harrison will have a Heisman Trophy on his resume come this December. Everyone will be chasing the current holder, USC quarterback Caleb Williams.

“I think he’s the best player in college football, even last year,” Meyer said. “I don’t think it’s going to be close this year. Now, it’s can we get him the ball? Can he stay healthy and still prep the way he is? I think he’s a unique individual. I think he will be the No. 1 draft pick.”

In the history of the Heisman Trophy, only four wide receivers have ever won the award. Alabama‘s DeVonta Smith was the latest, doing so during the 2020 season. And for years, quarterbacks and running backs have dominated. Harrison hearing his name called in New York City would be a historic moment.

Not just for the wide receiver position but for Ohio State as well. A program with plenty of tradition with the Heisman Trophy, quarterback Troy Smith was the last one to win. That came from the 2006 season — 17 years ago. Harrison would bring the Buckeyes to eight Heismans.

Urban Meyer places Marvin Harrison Jr. among Ohio State greats

If anyone knows the Ohio State program, it’s Meyer. Working as a graduate assistant before eventually becoming the head coach, if Meyer is comparing you to Cris Carter, the praise is significant.

“It’s still hard to say he’s not the greatest receiver of all time,” Meyer said. “I’ll tell you what. Marvin Harrison Jr. is knocking on the door. I think at the end of the year, he’ll be right with Cris Carter as the best to ever play in the Scarlet and Gray.

Harrison caught 77 passes for 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns a season ago. He will continue to slot as Ohio State’s No. 1 receiver and even with a new quarterback, will be hoping to put up similar numbers. If a Heisman Trophy is won, Meyer will be able to come back to his greatest Buckeye receiver of all time claim.