How Ohio State football’s standout play became a topic of conversation at the 2025 NFL Combine

The 2025 NFL Combine brought together the top draft prospects from around the country, all vying for the opportunity to showcase their talents and make an impression on NFL coaches, general managers, and scouts. The event, held annually in Indianapolis, is a pivotal moment for many athletes. For some, it’s an opportunity to solidify their place in the draft, while for others, it is a chance to overcome past doubts and prove their worth. This year’s combine, however, had an unexpected buzz around a play from the 2024 college football season. It wasn’t a typical combine drill or physical measurement that garnered attention but a single, electrifying play from Ohio State’s standout season that became a conversation starter among NFL personnel.

The Play: Ohio State vs. Michigan, 2024

To understand why this particular play dominated conversations at the combine, it’s necessary to first look back at the context of the 2024 season. Ohio State, once again, had one of the most talented rosters in college football. They were led by an offense that was as high-powered as any in the country, led by quarterback CJ Stroud (who declared for the NFL Draft after a stellar career), and featuring one of the most dynamic receiving corps in the nation.

But it was a single moment in a crucial game—the 2024 Ohio State vs. Michigan game—that changed the narrative for an emerging star and turned an individual play into a topic of conversation at the 2025 NFL Combine.

In the third quarter of the highly anticipated showdown between the Buckeyes and the Wolverines, Marvin Harrison Jr., one of the most electrifying wide receivers in college football, made a play that will be remembered for years to come. The Buckeyes were trailing Michigan by a touchdown, and momentum was firmly in the hands of the Wolverines, who had dominated the second quarter. Ohio State’s offense needed a spark, and they found it in the form of a 70-yard touchdown pass from Stroud to Harrison.

The play unfolded as follows:

• CJ Stroud stood in the pocket, scanning the defense, with Michigan’s defensive backfield showing signs of pressure.
• As Stroud dropped back, he felt the weight of the pocket closing in on him. Rather than taking the easy checkdown pass, Stroud looked deep downfield to Marvin Harrison Jr., who was lined up on the outside against Michigan’s top cornerback, Will Johnson, a potential first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
• Harrison, known for his sharp route-running and elite athleticism, exploded off the line of scrimmage with a quick burst. He separated from Johnson with a move that turned heads on the field and in the stands, giving him a clear path down the sideline.
• Stroud delivered the ball perfectly, a deep spiral that hit Harrison in stride as he raced towards the end zone. Johnson was right behind him, but it didn’t matter. Harrison made a slight move to the inside, turning his body and accelerating further, leaving Johnson in his wake and finishing off the play with a spectacular leap into the end zone.

The crowd erupted as the Buckeyes tied the game, and the play itself was instantly labeled a game-changer, a potential Heisman moment for Harrison, and one of the finest examples of quarterback-wide receiver chemistry in the nation.

The Significance of the Play

Why was this play so special? To the casual viewer, it might have seemed like another long touchdown pass. But the beauty of this moment lies in its execution and the physical and mental attributes that both Stroud and Harrison displayed.

1. Marvin Harrison Jr.’s Elite Skillset: The route he ran to separate from a top-tier cornerback like Will Johnson was a thing of beauty. Harrison’s precise footwork and separation ability were on full display, showcasing not just speed but technical refinement. His quick change of direction, the sharp cut at the top of his route, and his smooth acceleration were all qualities that NFL scouts covet in a receiver.
2. CJ Stroud’s Poise and Accuracy: Stroud had already been widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in college football, but this play reaffirmed his ability to deliver in clutch moments. The deep ball was thrown with pinpoint accuracy, despite pressure coming from Michigan’s defensive line. Stroud demonstrated not just physical ability but composure under pressure, a trait many NFL teams look for in their quarterbacks.
3. The Dramatic Context: The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry is one of the fiercest in college football, and this game, in particular, had playoff implications. The Buckeyes were in danger of falling out of contention for the College Football Playoff if they lost, and the pressure of the moment added a layer of drama to the play. Harrison’s touchdown was more than just a physical achievement; it was a moment of resilience and brilliance in one of the sport’s most high-stakes environments.
4. The Long-Term Impact: Ohio State would go on to win the game, and Harrison’s performance in the contest cemented his place as the top wide receiver prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. He finished the 2024 season with over 1,500 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, and his breakout performance in the Michigan game was the exclamation point to a season that already had NFL scouts salivating.

The Play at the 2025 NFL Combine

As the 2025 NFL Combine approached, many expected to see the typical drills and evaluations of speed, strength, and agility. However, one of the topics that dominated conversations among NFL scouts and executives in Indianapolis was Marvin Harrison Jr.’s 70-yard touchdown reception.

At the combine, Harrison was often asked about his performance in that game and what went through his mind during the play. He described it with humility, but it was clear that he understood the magnitude of the moment.

“It was one of those plays where everything slowed down,” Harrison explained during an interview at the Combine. “When CJ let that ball go, I knew I had a chance to make a play. But the work we did in practice, the chemistry with CJ, that’s what allowed me to stay focused and finish the job. It wasn’t just about making a play, it was about doing what we’d practiced a thousand times before.”

NFL scouts were fascinated by his mental makeup. Harrison’s ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations is exactly what teams are looking for in a wide receiver at the next level. The same can be said for Stroud, who was the subject of interviews and discussions at the combine about his leadership and ability to execute in clutch moments.

Impact on Draft Stock

For Marvin Harrison Jr., that play against Michigan helped solidify his position as the top wide receiver prospect heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. NFL teams had already taken notice of his size (6’4″, 205 pounds), speed (sub-4.4 second 40-yard dash), and skill set. But it was the Michigan game that showed his ability to rise to the occasion when everything was on the line. Harrison was no longer just a talented wide receiver; he was a player capable of making game-changing plays when it mattered most.

By the time Harrison went through his combine drills, there was little doubt that he would be one of the top picks in the upcoming draft. His speed, agility, and ball skills during drills further demonstrated his readiness for the NFL. Yet it was that unforgettable 70-yard touchdown catch that had NFL scouts talking long after the combine ended.

CJ Stroud’s Legacy and the NFL Combine

As for CJ Stroud, the quarterback who delivered the perfect pass, his performance at the combine had its own set of discussions, especially regarding his ability to make all the throws. Stroud was widely considered one of the top quarterback prospects for the 2025 draft, but the chemistry he had with Harrison was something that was referenced constantly during interviews with teams at the combine.

“Stroud to Harrison—that connection was something special,” one NFL general manager remarked. “You don’t see that kind of chemistry often, and it’s something that’s going to translate well to the next level. Stroud showed he’s capable of making every throw, especially when it’s needed most.”

While Stroud’s combine performance was impressive, it was clear that the Michigan game and his relationship with Harrison were a significant part of the narrative surrounding his draft stock. The Stroud-Harrison dynamic at Ohio State had given scouts something to point to when assessing his potential at the NFL level.

The 2025 NFL Combine was defined by many standout performances, but for those with a keen eye on the Ohio State football program, it was the 70-yard touchdown reception from Marvin Harrison Jr. against Michigan that was the talk of Indianapolis. This play captured not just the physical brilliance of a future NFL star but the mental resilience and execution that all scouts look for in high-level prospects.

For Marvin Harrison Jr., the play became a symbol of his rise as one of the most highly regarded wide receiver prospects in recent memory. For CJ Stroud, it was another reminder of his ability to deliver when the game was on the line. Both players solidified their places as potential first-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, with that iconic play standing as a testament to their shared talent, teamwork, and ability to perform under pressure.

In the world of the NFL Combine, where physical testing and drills often take center stage, it was a single play—one that occurred in a college football rivalry game—that defined the narrative for two of the most exciting prospects heading into the draft. The ripple effect of that play will undoubtedly be felt for years to come as Harrison and Stroud embark on their professional football journeys.