Ohio State Buckeyes’ stars Reportedly Marvin Harrison Jr. and TreVeyon Henderson Offered 1st-Round Money to Stay in College; Futures Remain Uncertain

The first-overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Carolina Panthers‘ Bryce Young, earned a $24.6 million signing bonus. The last pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr, earned a signing bonus worth nearly $4 million. Even when assuming this “first-round money” would be the lowest amount possible, it would set a new precedent for payment in collegiate sports. Harrison Jr. said there are reasons beyond money that have made him consider foregoing the 2024 NFL Draft.

Ohio State Buckeyes’ Heisman Candidate Marvin Harrison Jr. does not Need Time to Develop

Draft experts around the country have unanimously touted Harrison Jr. as a top-five pick, so he would have nothing to gain in terms of draft capital by returning next year. Harrison Jr. had 15 total touchdowns on the season, and averaged 18.1 yards per reception. His 1,211 yards receiving came on a season where more than a quarter of the games he played were not competitive.

The Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and two-time All American is the first Buckeyes’ receiver to log consecutive 1,000 yard receiving seasons, despite their long line of top-tier NFL talent at the position. His play has been enough to put him at No. 2 on Mel Kiper’s Big Board, which would make him a higher draft pick than Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Michael Thomas and Terry McLaurin.

The departure of Ohio State signal caller Kyle McCord may affect Harrison Jr.’s decision to return. The two go all the way back to high school. In a recent article from ESPN, Harrison Jr. outlines his relationship with the former Buckeye quarterback.

“I wish [McCord] nothing but the best,” Harrison said. “It’s been great having him for these past three years in college and three years in high school together. He’s a guy that if I went to throw some routes with, it would always be him. I’m so proud of him for all that he’s been through and how he overcame all the adversity that he’s had, dealing with injuries, stuff like that.

“Our relationship goes beyond football.”

Ohio State Buckeyes’ Bell Cow TreVeyon Henderson Needed to Maintain Thinning Running Back Room

Three of the five players in the Buckeyes’ running back room during the 2023 NFL season departed. Henderson and fellow running back Dallan Hayden are the only two that remain at the moment. As notoriously good recruiters, Ryan Day and the Ohio State staff will likely not have a problem filling the room out with the nearly 200 running backs in the transfer portal, according to On3.

Despite the large selection pool, a proven back with experience in the system would surely be a boost to the Buckeyes’ 2024 offense. Henderson averaged 6.2 yards per carry on the year, and amassed over 1,000 yards from scrimmage. With the departure of Chip Trayanum and Miyan William, the two leading rushers outside of Henderson, the Ohio State Buckeyes would surely welcome back the future NFL prospect with open arms.

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