FOOTBALL

Is Marvin Harrison Jr. the best wide receiver in Ohio State history? Here's what his stats say

Colin Gay
Columbus Dispatch

Marvin Harrison Jr.'s storied Ohio State career has come to a close.

After three seasons with the Buckeyes, Harrison announced that he would forgo his senior season and enter the 2024 NFL draft. He is expected to be one of the first players selected, leaving as a two-time All-American, the reigning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and Biletnikoff Award winner, and a 2023 Heisman Trophy finalist.

But while Harrison is the only Ohio State wide receiver to have multiple 1,000-yard campaigns, how do his numbers compare to other OSU wide receivers historically?

Here's a look at where Harrison finishes his career in Ohio State's record books.

Marvin Harrison Jr. has sixth-most receptions in Ohio State history

Sept. 9, 2023; Columbus, Oh., USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) and Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) look for a call after a loose ball carried by Henderson popped out as he was tackled near the endzoon during the first half of Saturday's NCAA Division I football game against the Youngstown State Penguins punter at Ohio Stadium.

Harrison finishes his Ohio State career with the sixth-most receptions in program history.

In three seasons, Harrison brought in 155 catches, including 77 receptions in 2022 and 67 catches in 2023. His 155 career receptions are more than players such as Parris Campbell, Garrett Wilson and Ted Ginn Jr. had in their Ohio State careers.

Here's a look at Ohio State's current top five leaders in career receptions.

  1. K.J. Hill (2016-19): 201
  2. David Boston (1996-98): 191
  3. Chris Olave (2018-21): 176
  4. Cris Carter (1984-86): 168
  5. Michael Jenkins (2000-03): 165

Marvin Harrison Jr. has sixth-most receiving yards in Ohio State history

Oct 21, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) catches a pass in front of Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Kalen King (4) during the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 20-12.

Harrison also has the sixth-most receiving yards in school history.

After recording 139 yards on 11 catches as a true freshman, Harrison used back-to-back 1,200-yard seasons to finish with 2,613 receiving yards: more than Devin Smith, Wilson and Joey Galloway had at OSU.

Here's a look at Ohio State's current top five leaders in career receiving yards.

  1. Michael Jenkins (2000-03): 2,898
  2. David Boston (1996-98): 2,855
  3. Gary Williams (1979-82): 2,792
  4. Cris Carter (1984-86): 2,725
  5. Chris Olave (2018-21): 2,711

Marvin Harrison Jr. has third-most touchdown catches in Ohio State history

Oct 28, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) catches a touchdown pass in front of Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Nyzier Fourqurean (10) during the second half of the NCAA football game at Camp Randall Stadium. Ohio State won 24-10.

Harrison is in the top five for Ohio State career touchdown receptions.

Harrison is one of four Ohio State receivers to eclipse 30 career touchdown receptions, joining Chris Olave, David Boston and Smith.

After recording three touchdowns on 11 catches his freshman year, Harrison recorded 14 touchdown receptions in each of his past two seasons.

Here's a look at Ohio State's current top five leaders in career touchdown receptions.

  1. Chris Olave (2018-21): 35
  2. David Boston (1996-98): 34
  3. Marvin Harrison Jr. (2021-23): 31
  4. Devin Smith (2011-14): 30
  5. Cris Carter (1984-86) 27

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