The Ohio State Buckeyes have extended a scholarship offer to class of 2028 wide receiver Jett Harrison, the younger brother of former Buckeye great Marvin Harrison Jr. The offer marks another generational twist in the ongoing narrative of elite receivers wearing scarlet and gray, as one Harrison brother dominated in college football just a few years ago and now another may be on his way to doing the same.
Jett Harrison, a rising high school freshman, has already started to turn heads with his early performances, fluid athleticism, and polished route-running ability that eerily resembles the precision of his older brother. Although it’s rare for major programs to offer players this early in their development, especially before they’ve played a down of high school football, Ohio State clearly sees something special in Jett — and the name on the back of his jersey certainly doesn’t hurt either.
The offer to Jett is more than just a recruiting footnote; it’s a signal of continuity for the Buckeye program, which has built a reputation as “Wide Receiver U” under head coach Ryan Day and wide receivers coach Brian Hartline. Hartline in particular has established himself as one of the premier developers of receiver talent in the country, churning out first-round picks like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and of course, Marvin Harrison Jr. With Jett now on the radar, Ohio State continues to show a long-term vision for staying at the top of the wide receiver hierarchy in college football.
The Harrison family name carries serious weight in both college and NFL circles. Marvin Harrison Sr., a Hall of Famer, was a star for the Indianapolis Colts and Peyton Manning’s go-to target for over a decade. His son, Marvin Jr., followed in those footsteps by crafting an All-American career at Ohio State, finishing with over 2,600 receiving yards and 31 touchdowns in just three seasons. In April 2024, Marvin Jr. was selected No. 4 overall in the NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, becoming one of the highest-drafted Buckeyes in program history and further solidifying his place among the greatest wide receivers to ever come through Columbus.
Now, it’s Jett’s turn.
While comparisons are inevitable, those close to Jett say he’s focused on carving out his own identity and writing his own chapter in the family legacy. “He’s grown up watching Marvin dominate,” one youth coach familiar with Jett’s development said. “But he’s not just trying to be Marvin 2.0 — he wants to be Jett Harrison, and he’s got the talent to do it his own way.”
According to early scouting reports and social media clips, Jett already shows an impressive blend of explosiveness, body control, and football IQ well beyond his years. At youth camps and 7-on-7 tournaments, he consistently stands out, not just for his athletic traits but for his polished technique — an uncommon quality in a player so young. Some analysts even believe that Jett’s footwork and timing are advanced enough to project as a national recruit by his sophomore year of high school.
That’s not to say the pressure won’t be immense. Carrying the Harrison name comes with expectations few can comprehend. But those who know the family well believe that Jett is mentally prepared for the spotlight. “He’s seen it all already,” a family friend said. “From the draft process to college game days, he’s been right there. He knows what it takes to compete at the highest level.”
Ohio State’s early offer reflects not just a belief in Jett’s potential, but also a strategic decision to build strong relationships early with players who are likely to be at the top of their class. Recruiting is a long game, and programs that move first often create emotional connections that are hard to break. That appears to be Ohio State’s approach here — offer early, show commitment, and let the family know the door is always open.
It doesn’t hurt that the Buckeyes already have strong ties with the Harrisons. Marvin Jr.’s time in Columbus was marked by excellence both on and off the field. He became a team leader, a Biletnikoff Award finalist, and the kind of ambassador for the program that makes coaches proud. It’s reasonable to assume that if Jett chooses to follow in his brother’s footsteps, it will be because of the trust already built between the family and Ohio State’s coaching staff.
Brian Hartline, in particular, played a massive role in Marvin Jr.’s development. His experience as a former NFL receiver and his eye for detail make him uniquely suited to help young players reach their full potential. If Jett ends up donning the scarlet and gray, it’s easy to envision Hartline playing a central role in shaping the next Harrison star.
Of course, it’s still very early in Jett’s recruitment. He’s years away from signing a National Letter of Intent, and the recruiting landscape is always evolving. NIL opportunities, coaching changes, and personal development all play major roles in long-term decisions. But the fact that Ohio State is already on board says a lot about how high Jett’s ceiling might be.
Other programs are likely to follow suit soon. Top-tier schools across the country are increasingly proactive in identifying elite talent early, especially when a player has the right combination of bloodlines, talent, and polish. Expect to see schools like Alabama, Georgia, USC, Michigan, and others keeping a close eye on Jett’s development.
Still, Ohio State has something no one else can replicate: the bond with Marvin Jr. and the emotional investment the Harrison family already has in the Buckeye program. That history — and the memories made in Columbus — might just give Ohio State an edge when decision time arrives.
Jett, for now, remains grounded. His focus is reportedly on continuing to improve, staying healthy, and taking each step in stride. He understands the noise will grow as he enters high school and begins playing on Friday nights under the lights. But those around him say he’s not letting the early hype distract him. “He loves the game,” said one coach. “You can tell it’s in his DNA. He studies, he trains, he competes. He’s already doing the things you want to see in a future star.”
The road ahead will be long and filled with challenges. Injuries, competition, media attention, and the expectations that come with the Harrison name will test Jett in ways few can imagine. But if his early trajectory is any indication, he has the tools and temperament to not only survive — but thrive.
For Ohio State, the offer to Jett Harrison represents more than just another name on the board. It’s an investment in the future. A reminder of the past. And a potential link in a family chain that continues to shape the narrative of Buckeye greatness.
From Marvin Sr. to Marvin Jr., and now to Jett, the Harrison legacy is a story still being written — and Columbus just might be the place where the next chapter begins.
