Eric Boggs
The buzz around Jett Harrison is only growing louder, and for Ohio State fans, it feels both familiar and significant. The younger brother of Marvin Harrison Jr. and son of Marvin Harrison Sr., Harrison has surged to the top of the 2028 recruiting class rankings, cementing himself as one of the most intriguing prospects in the country.
For Buckeye fans, this story carries a strong sense of déjà vu. Many remember watching a young Marvin Harrison Jr. roam the sidelines in Columbus before developing into one of the most dominant receivers in college football under Ryan Day. Now, Jett is carving out his own path—but with a foundation that’s impossible to ignore.
Even at a young age, Jett showed advanced traits that separate him from typical high school receivers. He’s not just relying on athleticism; his game is already polished. Evaluators consistently point to his route running, spatial awareness, and elite ball tracking—skills that mirror the technical excellence associated with his family name. His ability to adjust to the football, particularly on vertical routes and contested catches, has made him a legitimate all-around threat who can line up inside or outside.
There’s also a mental component that stands out. Growing up around elite football minds has given Harrison a deeper understanding of the game than most players his age. That football IQ shows up in how he reads defenses, times his routes, and positions his body to make difficult catches look routine.
The natural question now is whether Ohio State can land him. The Buckeyes clearly have advantages—familiarity with the program, a strong relationship with Day, and a proven track record of developing elite receivers. That last point may be the most compelling. Ohio State’s recent wide receiver pipeline to the NFL has been unmatched, producing hundreds of millions in professional earnings and setting a standard few programs can rival.
Still, this recruitment is far from a lock. The departure of former wide receivers coach Brian Hartline introduces some uncertainty, and new position coach Cortez Hankton will need to build trust with the Harrison family. Meanwhile, programs like Syracuse—where Harrison Sr. starred—and Penn State will push hard, particularly given their regional ties.
Ultimately, this decision may come down to philosophy. Does Harrison prioritize immediate NIL opportunities, or does he focus on long-term development and NFL preparation? Ohio State’s track record suggests the latter could be the more lucrative path in the long run.
While Harrison’s recruitment will dominate headlines, Ohio State continues to cast a wide net across multiple classes. In the 2027 cycle, running back Nigel Newkirk has emerged as a solid option. A powerful back with excellent contact balance and receiving ability, Newkirk is drawing national attention, though the Buckeyes may prioritize other targets before circling back to him.
In the secondary, cornerback John Meredith III stands out as one of the top defensive prospects in the country. With elite size, speed, and technical ability in press coverage, he fits the mold of a future NFL corner. Ohio State faces stiff competition here, particularly from Texas A&M, but remains firmly in the mix.
Another rapidly rising name is Tyler Boyd out of Georgia, a dynamic defensive back whose blend of athleticism and instincts has drawn comparisons to elite college safeties. His recruitment is exploding nationally, and landing him would be a major win for the Buckeyes’ 2028 class.
Ohio State is also expanding its reach with prospects like Kamieon Compton-Nero, a versatile two-way athlete from Oklahoma. While keeping him away from in-state programs will be a challenge, the Buckeyes have secured visits and remain a serious contender.
Closer to home, several Ohio prospects are beginning to gain traction. Edge rusher Kaylon Bailey has impressed with his explosiveness and physicality, while Tristin Hughes offers intriguing two-way ability as both a receiver and defensive back. At quarterback, Reid Berry headlines a growing group of in-state signal-callers with size and upside.
As Ohio State continues to build toward future classes, the spotlight will remain firmly on Jett Harrison. His recruitment represents more than just landing a top prospect—it’s about continuing a legacy. Whether he ultimately follows in his brother’s footsteps or forges a different path, his decision will have ripple effects across the college football landscape.
And for Buckeye fans, the hope is simple: that the next chapter of the Harrison story is written in Columbus.
