In what is stacking up to be one of the most loaded draft classes in recent memories there seem to be multiple high level stars potentially choosing to stay in school as an effect of the lucrative NIL deals offered in college football. One of those stars is Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr., who is wildly regarded as the top receiver in the country and a locked-in Top-10 draft pick.
According to ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit in an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, although it is likely Harrison will eventually declare for the 2024 NFL draft, it is not necessarily a guarantee.
“It’s not just a slam dunk anymore, with some of these guys maybe staying because of the money they can make,” Herbstreit said.
Herbstreit went on to reference that due to the amount of money college players can get, those projected to go in the later rounds are more likely to stick around due to receiving lucrative NIL deals.
"I would be shocked if Marvin Harrison Jr. doesn't declare for the NFL..
It's not just a slam dunk for some of these guys anymore because of NIL" @KirkHerbstreit #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/x7u3I9lTRE
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 30, 2023
Harrison not entering the draft would certainly shake up the draft process, and while it remains unlikely it plays out that way, it’s true that the NIL has majorly thrown a wrench into draft projection.
