Joel Klatt highlights the outstanding receiving skills of Ohio State Buckeyes star Marvin Harrison Jr. by ranking him among his top 10 players.

Joel Klatt, one of college football’s most respected analysts, has never been one to shy away from bold and well-supported takes, and when it comes to Ohio State’s star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., Klatt has been effusive with his praise. It’s not just that Harrison is a good player—Klatt places him among the best in the nation, across all positions, cementing his belief that Harrison’s skill set, production, and intangibles are worthy of top-10 status among all college football athletes. This is no small accolade, especially considering the sheer volume of talent that flows through college football each year. When Klatt names a wide receiver as one of his elite players, he does so with a level of scrutiny and context that reflects deep analysis, film study, and understanding of the game’s nuances.

Harrison, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison Sr., has carved out his own identity at Ohio State with a combination of precise route running, uncanny ball tracking, and elite hands. Joel Klatt often emphasizes these traits during his broadcasts and podcasts, highlighting how Harrison routinely makes plays that very few college receivers, or even NFL receivers, can replicate. It’s not hyperbole when Klatt suggests that Harrison Jr. is one of the most technically polished receivers to ever play college football. While most young wideouts rely on athleticism or raw speed to make plays, Harrison is a technician. His route discipline is surgical, making him nearly unguardable one-on-one, and his ability to create separation at the top of routes is a hallmark of what separates good receivers from elite ones.

Klatt has pointed to Harrison’s consistency and production against elite competition as reasons for his high ranking. In marquee matchups, Harrison has always shown up. Whether it’s a heated Big Ten rivalry game or a nationally televised showdown, he performs with a calm poise that belies his age. Klatt often recalls Harrison’s performance against top-ranked defenses where he not only held his own but dominated. It’s not just about yardage or touchdowns either—it’s the timing of his receptions, the degree of difficulty, and how often he turns seemingly impossible plays into catchable balls. Whether on a contested fade near the sideline or a drag route across the middle of the field, Harrison is reliable. Klatt describes him as a “quarterback’s best friend,” the kind of receiver who expands the margin for error for whoever is throwing him the football.

A large part of what makes Harrison’s game so elite, according to Klatt, is his ability to blend athletic traits with football IQ. He doesn’t just run routes; he understands coverage concepts, adjusts on the fly, and reads defenders with the same kind of awareness you’d expect from a seasoned NFL veteran. Klatt has noted how often Harrison makes subtle adjustments mid-route, something most college players aren’t taught until they enter the NFL. These in-game adjustments often lead to big plays because Harrison is seeing the field from a quarterback’s perspective. This cerebral approach to the receiver position is rare and is one of the main reasons why Klatt is so bullish on Harrison’s NFL future as well.

From a technical standpoint, Klatt repeatedly highlights Harrison’s hands. They are arguably his most defining trait. It’s one thing to be able to catch a football; it’s another to do so with defenders draped over you, while keeping two feet in bounds, all at full speed. Harrison’s hands are like magnets—strong, soft, and dependable. Klatt has described them as “vacuum-like,” rarely allowing for drops, and capable of hauling in the most acrobatic of receptions. Whether it’s a back-shoulder throw, a high-point ball in the red zone, or a laser over the middle, Harrison consistently shows off his hand strength and concentration.

Another point that Klatt often brings up is how Harrison’s presence changes how defenses scheme against Ohio State. Defensive coordinators have to dedicate extra attention to him—bracket coverage, safety help over the top, sometimes even cloud zone concepts—all in an effort to neutralize his impact. And yet, Harrison still finds a way to produce. Klatt views this as a key indicator of elite status. When a player can dominate even when the game plan is centered around stopping him, he’s doing something special. Harrison forces defenses to be reactive rather than proactive, which opens up the rest of the offense. This ripple effect, Klatt argues, is invaluable and something only a handful of players in the nation are capable of doing.

In comparing Harrison to other top receivers over the years, Klatt has made the case that he stacks up favorably against names like Ja’Marr Chase, DeVonta Smith, and Justin Jefferson—players who not only excelled at the college level but transitioned almost immediately into NFL stardom. According to Klatt, Harrison has a higher floor and possibly a higher ceiling than any of them due to his physical maturity, polished technique, and proven production. At 6’4″ and over 200 pounds, Harrison offers a blend of size and speed that is incredibly difficult to defend. Klatt is particularly impressed with how Harrison uses his frame—not just in contested situations, but to shield defenders, sell fakes, and gain leverage at the top of his routes. This mastery of physicality, paired with elite footwork, makes him a matchup nightmare.

Klatt also acknowledges the intangible side of Harrison’s game. Leadership, work ethic, and humility are all traits that elevate Harrison beyond just his physical capabilities. Coaches at Ohio State rave about his dedication, often noting how he stays after practice to run routes or catch passes on the JUGS machine. Klatt sees this commitment as an indicator that Harrison is not just trying to be great—he’s obsessed with it. That kind of mentality, paired with his talent, creates a player who not only dominates but inspires. Klatt frequently points out how Harrison leads by example, pushing his teammates to raise their own standards and serving as a culture-setter within the Ohio State locker room.

While stats certainly support Harrison’s case as a top-10 player, Klatt insists that you have to watch the tape to fully appreciate him. Numbers can’t convey the nuance of his footwork, the precision of his releases off the line, or the calmness with which he operates under pressure. Klatt has highlighted multiple plays in film breakdowns where Harrison’s contribution doesn’t show up in the box score but is critical to the play’s success—clearing out a zone, occupying double coverage, or simply being in the right place to draw attention. This football intelligence is part of what separates the truly elite from the merely productive.

It’s also important to note that Klatt’s praise isn’t just rooted in hype. He’s known for being measured and evidence-based in his evaluations. He doesn’t simply ride media narratives or overreact to highlight-reel plays. His evaluation of Harrison has been built over time, observing him in different contexts—against top-tier corners, in playoff atmospheres, in adverse weather, and even when the Buckeyes’ quarterback play wasn’t perfect. Through it all, Harrison has remained not just productive but dominant. That’s why Klatt doesn’t hesitate to place him in his top 10 across all positions—a rare honor for any receiver, let alone one still in college.

Klatt has also commented on Harrison’s NFL potential, frequently saying that he would be the top overall pick if the draft didn’t value quarterbacks so highly. That’s a significant statement, and one that speaks volumes about how he views Harrison’s talent level relative to other elite prospects. He believes that Harrison could walk into an NFL facility tomorrow and be a WR1 for multiple teams. It’s not just about potential—it’s about pro-readiness. Harrison’s skill set is already aligned with what NFL teams demand from their top targets, and Klatt believes his impact at the next level will be immediate and profound.

In a college football landscape filled with explosive offensive players, dual-threat quarterbacks, and game-breaking defensive stars, it takes a lot to stand out. And yet, Marvin Harrison Jr. does just that. Joel Klatt’s consistent acknowledgment of Harrison as one of the top players in the nation is rooted in more than just big plays or flashy moments—it’s built on a foundation of technical brilliance, mental sharpness, consistent dominance, and relentless work ethic. Klatt’s analysis goes beyond surface-level praise; it digs into why Harrison is special, how he impacts games in visible and invisible ways, and why he belongs in the conversation not just among the best receivers in college football, but among the best players period.

Klatt’s inclusion of Harrison in his top 10 player rankings isn’t merely a nod to production—it’s a full endorsement of a player who exemplifies excellence in every facet of the game. Whether you’re a scout, a coach, or a fan, watching Harrison play offers a clinic on how the wide receiver position should be executed. And in Joel Klatt’s estimation, few—if any—do it better than Marvin Harrison Jr.