Report: Jermari Harris to opt out of rest of 2024 season, prepare for NFL Draft

Iowa cornerback Jermari Harris is expected to opt out of the rest of the season to prepare for the 2024 NFL Draft, according to a report from David Eickholt. He appeared in 10 games for the Hawkeyes this year.

Harris currently leads Iowa with three interceptions while adding 27 tackles and seven passes defended. One of those picks went for a touchdown in the Hawkeyes’ 38-21 win over Troy earlier this season.

Harris turned in one of his best games of the season last time out against UCLA. He had seven tackles as Iowa fell to the Bruins 20-17 ahead of the bye. The Hawkeyes are currently getting ready to take on Maryland in the penultimate game of the season on Saturday.

Jermari Harris arrived at Iowa as a three-star prospect and the No. 1,529 overall player from the 2019 recruiting cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He then developed into a key piece of the Hawkeyes’ defense and put together three straight impressive seasons.

In 2021, Harris hauled in a career-high four interceptions to go with 34 tackles and four pass breakups. He then set a career mark with 42 tackles in 2023 while adding one interception.

Iowa still has two games left in its season, starting with Maryland this weekend. The Hawkeyes will then close out the 2024 campaign with its rivalry against Nebraska on Black Friday. The big question, though, will be the health of quarterback Cade McNamara.

McNamara suffered a concussion against Northwestern and hasn’t played since. He shared a statement on social media confirming he wouldn’t play against Maryland, but was hoping to be back on the field against Nebraska at Kinnick Stadium.

“I have been working with the University of Iowa doctors and trainers, a concussion specialist focused on vision training, as well as engaging in hyperbaric treatments as frequent as possible,” McNamara wrote, in part. “I have every intention to play versus Nebraska next Friday night and I am confident that my teammates will return from Maryland with a win.”