Marvin Harrison Jr. unsure of NFL Draft future ahead of Heisman Trophy ceremony

Marvin Harrison Jr. is a consensus top five draft choice in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. Recognized as a generational talent by most scouts — he is expected to make his next team better from day one.

Unless he decides to return to Ohio State next season. According to the new Biletnikoff Award winner, his final decision is still up in the air.

“I still haven’t decided. It’s something that I have to talk with my family a little bit more and decide what’s the best decision for me going forward,” Harrison Jr. said when asked about his future plans on SportsCenter Saturday morning.

Harrison Jr. finished the 2023 college football season hauling in 67 passes for 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns through 12 games for Ohio State this season. If he hears his named called as the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, there is no greater individual accolade he can accomplish at this level.

Of course, the age of NIL could see the Buckeyes’ collective put a deal on the table that he might not be able to refuse.

Still, the NIL era has corresponded with the transfer portal era over the past couple of seasons — and even if he returns to Columbus, he would be catching passes from a brand new quarterback after it was announced that Ohio State QB1 Kyle McCord would be entering the transfer portal. But what if Ohio State can bring in a top portal QB in his place? That could be Ohio State’s way of attempting to make a return more attractive for Harrison Jr.

“It’s not going to factor into my decision,” Harrison Jr. said. “Whoever the coaches is decide to break in, or if they stay with Devin Brown and the quarterbacks we have in Ohio State. As a receiver, it is my job to make their job easier. So, I fully trust whoever the coaches bring in and as far as Kyle, I love that guy and I wish him nothing but the best and moving forward.”

Perhaps Harrison Jr.’s decision will be clearer to him after the Heisman Trophy ceremony on Saturday. With all of his attention focused on Heisman media appearances, NIL opportunities and everything else that comes with being the most dangerous weapon in college football.

The Heisman Trophy winner will be announced live on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET. The award has come down to Harrison Jr., LSU‘s Jayden Daniels, Washington‘s Michael Penix Jr. and Oregon‘s Bo Nix.