Ohio State Football: Marvin Harrison Jr. has high hopes for 2022

Buckeyes star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba rightfully stole the show in the 48-45 victory over Utah in the Rose Bowl but freshman Marvin Harrison Jr. had a night to remember as well. The 4-star wideout caught the first three touchdown passes of his Ohio State football career came back from a double-digit deficit to win the program’s 9th Rose Bowl. Harrison has a chance to become a breakout player in 2022 and his performance in Pasadena was a glimpse into that.

He racked up six receptions (second-most on the team) for 71 yards and three touchdowns in the back and forth win against the Utes. After trailing 14-0 at the end of the first quarter, C.J. Stroud hit Harrison over the shoulder for a 25-yard TD on fourth down to get the Buckeyes on the board. He also caught the game-tying touchdown with 10:14 left in the fourth quarter. It was a much-needed outing for the freshman, who had just five catches coming into the night.

“I was nervous for sure. I really didn’t get my feet settled until after the fourth down. The first touchdown. Coach Day had a lot of confidence in me to go make a play so after that I was good. It’s a big boost. A lot of confidence I have in myself that will continue for next year,” Harrison told the media following the Rose Bowl win. “We have a lot of momentum. Hopefully, that continues next year. We play Notre Dame first so I’m excited for that.”

The Philadelphia product is projected to be a starter against the Fighting Irish in September, assuming the offseason goes as planned, with Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson heading to the NFL Draft.

The Ohio State football team will certainly reload on offense as Stroud and Smith-Njigba return alongside TreVeyon Henderson, Paris Johnson Jr, Emeka Egbuka, Luke Wypler, and others. Harrison will look to be a major factor in whether the Buckeyes can get back to playoff contention in 2022.