Buckeyes' Marvin Harrison Jr. 'Should've Won' Biletnikoff Award, Hartline Says

Marvin Harrison Jr., returns to Ohio State for his junior season with big goals for the 2023 season.

Author:
Harrison Reno
Mar 18, 2023 1:41 PM EDT

Marvin Harrison Jr. is projected as one of the best returning wide receivers in college football.

But, In the opinion of Ohio State offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Brian Hartline, Harrison was the best last season.

"Anybody that's got two eyes could have seen he should've won the Biletnikoff Award," Hartline said. "He can get so much better. Does he want to be an old veteran comparing himself to 18-year-olds? Or is he comparing himself to Justin Jefferson and Davante Adams? The things he's trying to chase are not amateur."

"His goal, like a lot of our guys, is not hinged on college football," Hartline continued. "He has perspective and wants to chase his dad. The small-mindedness, I don't think Marvin has ever possessed that. He's always been pushed to think big, and he's doing it."

Harrison led the Buckeyes in receiving with 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns on 77 receptions. At 6-foot-4, 205 pounds, Harrison proved to be a match-up nightmare for defenses with his tall frame and big catch radius.

Yet Harrison was runner-up to Tennessee's Jalin Hyatt for the Biletnikoff Award, which is annually given to the "best wide receiver."

While the award was given out before the College Football Playoff semifinal game between the Buckeyes and Georgia, it was there where Harrison proved his worth. Facing the eventual national champions, Harrison recorded 106 yards and two touchdowns on five receptions before being sidelined with a concussion after a controversial targeting call was overturned following a review.

The Bulldogs had no answer for Harrison, standing out as one of the best players on a field with numerous future NFL Draft picks.

But with that in the past, Hartline sees room for improvement in 2023 as the Buckeyes look to return to the College Football Playoffs.