2025 Mar 14, 17:03
ARLINGTON, Texas - Marvin Harrison Jr., the two-time AP All-America receiver, is currently with Ohio State as they gear up for the Cotton Bowl. However, there are no indications of him playing against Missouri on Friday night. During the open portion of practice on Wednesday, Harrison was not a full participant and did not have his helmet with him. Furthermore, he did not take part in the interview sessions afterward
Offensive coordinator Brian Hartline did not directly address Harrison's playing status but mentioned the possibility of other players taking on different roles. Harrison, who is in his third year with the Buckeyes, is expected to be one of the top picks if he enters the NFL draft. Hartline expressed excitement about opportunities for other players and the potential for them to shine. On Wednesday, there was no media availability from coach Ryan Day, who will share the podium with Missouri coach Eliah Drinkwitz on Thursday. While Harrison's status remains uncertain, starting quarterback Kyle McCord has departed for Syracuse
However, leading rusher TreVeyon Henderson confirmed his intention to play in the Cotton Bowl. He expressed his trust in God and his desire to glorify Him by being there for his teammates. With McCord gone, sophomore Devin Brown will make his first career start in the Cotton Bowl, becoming the first Ohio State quarterback to start in a bowl game. Amidst the chaos following the regular season, with players transferring and uncertainty about who would stay or leave for the draft, Brown noticed a different focus within the team since their arrival in North Texas. The team is now primarily concerned with winning this game. Tommy Eichenberg, the fifth-year linebacker and leading tackler, is questionable due to an arm injury that caused him to miss two games
However, he returned for the regular-season finale against Michigan, which is part of the College Football Playoff. Despite this, the Buckeyes still anticipate having most of their top defenders on the field against Missouri. Denzel Burke, the third-year cornerback, has already made a decision regarding the NFL draft but intends to announce it on January 10, almost two weeks after the Cotton Bowl. When asked about his participation, Burke explained that he wanted to finish the season with his teammates, provide scouts with more tape, and build momentum for next year's team.