Potential Ohio State Football First-Round Pick No Longer Attending NFL Draft

In a surprising move that has sparked widespread discussion across the football world, a potential first-round pick from Ohio State has decided not to attend the 2025 NFL Draft in person. The decision comes just days before the league’s signature offseason spectacle, altering what many expected to be one of the more notable storylines on the draft’s opening night. While the Buckeyes are no stranger to producing top-tier NFL talent, this unexpected absence raises questions about personal priorities, player experiences, and the ever-evolving dynamics between collegiate stars and the NFL’s biggest stage.

The Player in Question

Marvin Harrison Jr., widely regarded as the most polished and NFL-ready wide receiver prospect in years, shocked many by confirming he will not be walking the red carpet or shaking NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s hand on draft night. After an illustrious career at Ohio State, Harrison was initially listed among the 13 players who accepted invitations to attend the event in person in Green Bay, Wisconsin. But over the weekend, his team confirmed the news: he won’t be attending.

Instead, the All-American wideout will spend the night with his family and close friends in a private setting, opting for a more intimate, controlled atmosphere. This move, while unorthodox for a player projected to go as high as the top three picks, underscores a growing sentiment among elite prospects—sometimes, the traditional spotlight isn’t the priority.

Why He’s Skipping the Draft

Harrison has yet to issue a detailed public statement explaining the decision, but sources close to the Buckeye standout suggest a mix of personal preference and a desire to keep the moment low-key.

“He’s always been about the game, not the attention,” one source told The Columbus Dispatch. “He wants to enjoy this moment with the people who’ve been with him since day one.”

Others speculate that Harrison may be trying to minimize stress during a high-pressure evening. The draft can be emotionally taxing, with long wait times, unpredictable trades, and the media circus surrounding every moment.

“He’s not one to crave the cameras,” said former Ohio State teammate C.J. Stroud, now the Houston Texans’ franchise quarterback. “Marv’s always been that way. Quiet, focused, a pro’s pro even in college.”

There’s also the possibility that Harrison, who did not participate in Ohio State’s Pro Day or the NFL Combine, is simply continuing a consistent pattern of selective engagement with media-heavy events. Whether for strategic or personal reasons, he’s maintained a very businesslike approach to the pre-draft process.

The Growing Trend of Skipping the Draft

While it may be surprising to some, Harrison is not the first high-profile prospect to skip the draft. In fact, in recent years, several players projected to go early in the first round have opted to stay home. Last year, Jalen Carter (Georgia) and Devon Witherspoon (Illinois) both skipped the event, and neither move impacted their draft stock.

As players gain more control over their image, personal brands, and mental well-being, skipping the draft is becoming a viable and acceptable choice—especially for those confident in their selection range.

“The league would love every projected first-rounder to show up, and that’s understandable from a business standpoint,” said NFL insider Ian Rapoport. “But the players are realizing they don’t owe the draft experience to anyone but themselves and their families.”

What It Means for His Draft Stock

Marvin Harrison Jr. skipping the draft will have no impact on his draft stock. NFL executives, coaches, and general managers are much more interested in game tape, character evaluations, and physical attributes than attendance at a red carpet event. Harrison remains a consensus top-5 pick and, in some mock drafts, is even favored to go No. 2 overall behind USC quarterback Caleb Williams.

His route running, ball skills, and pedigree—he’s the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison Sr.—make him one of the most plug-and-play receiver prospects since Ja’Marr Chase.

If anything, his decision to stay away from the glitz and glamour may reinforce his reputation as a focused, all-business athlete ready to contribute from day one.

“He’s one of the cleanest evaluations I’ve done in years,” said one AFC scouting director. “It doesn’t matter where he is on draft night. We know what kind of player—and person—we’re getting.”

The Impact on Ohio State

While the Buckeyes will still likely celebrate Harrison as a top pick, his absence from the draft robs Ohio State of what could have been another red-and-gray suit moment for the program’s promotional reels. A first-round draft pick donning school colors on national TV is always a recruiting tool, and missing that spotlight—however briefly—doesn’t go unnoticed in the media-savvy world of college football.

Still, head coach Ryan Day and the Buckeye faithful remain proud of what Harrison has accomplished. He finishes his college career with 155 receptions, 2,613 yards, and 31 touchdowns, including multiple 100-yard performances in high-profile games like the Michigan rivalry and College Football Playoff matchups.

“He’s the kind of guy who represents this program with class whether he’s on ESPN or sitting on a couch with his family,” Day said. “We’re going to celebrate him all the same.”

Fans React

Fan reaction has been mixed, but largely supportive. Some fans expressed disappointment that they won’t get to see Harrison in what many believed would be a symbolic, almost coronation-like moment for a receiver who helped carry Ohio State through two transition years.

Others pointed out that it’s just another sign that the NFL Draft is evolving from a league-run tradition into something far more individual and fluid.

“I wanted to see him walk that stage and shake Goodell’s hand,” tweeted one Buckeye fan. “But I respect that he’s staying true to himself. That’s what makes him special.”

Across Reddit and sports forums, sentiments ranged from curiosity to admiration.

“If Caleb Williams gets the lights, Marv gets the legacy,” one user posted on /r/nfl. “He’ll be the best WR in this class. Let him do it his way.”

NFL Draft Night Will Still Be a Spectacle

Despite Harrison’s absence, the NFL Draft will still be full of drama, emotion, and high-stakes decisions. With quarterbacks like Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels expected to go early, and other top prospects like Joe Alt, Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze also drawing attention, the first round promises fireworks.

But there will undoubtedly be a “where’s Marvin?” moment. Whether the cameras show a live feed from his private party or simply cut to his name on the ticker, Harrison’s draft moment will carry weight—even without the handshake.

Green Bay’s event organizers had reportedly planned a special welcome for Harrison, including a personalized welcome from Packers alumni and a spotlight interview segment. Those plans are now scrapped.

What This Says About the Future

Harrison’s decision may signal a broader shift in how NFL prospects view the draft experience. As Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals have empowered college athletes, and as social media offers players their own platforms, the NFL’s traditional rites of passage may start looking more optional.

In the age of content creation, a player can stage their own draft party with professional production teams, monetized YouTube streams, and direct fan engagement. The league may need to evolve its pitch to top prospects to keep them attending in person.

“Players want to control their stories,” said sports media analyst Laura Rutledge. “That might mean they prefer telling it from their own living room instead of on a stage.”

What’s Next for Harrison

Wherever Harrison ends up, he’s expected to be an instant-impact player. The Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, and New England Patriots are all teams with strong interest, and any franchise lucky enough to call his name will gain not just a player, but a culture-setter.

For Harrison, the goal has always been simple: become great.

Not famous. Not viral. Just great.

And if skipping the draft helps him stay centered on that mission, it might be the first of many wise decisions in what could be a Hall of Fame career.

Final Thoughts

Marvin Harrison Jr.’s decision to skip the 2025 NFL Draft is unconventional—but it’s also emblematic of a new generation of athletes. These players are hyper-aware of their brand, conscious of their mental space, and selective in how they engage with traditions that no longer feel necessary.

The NFL Draft will go on. The lights will still flash. The fans will still cheer. But one of the biggest stars in college football won’t be there in person. And that’s okay.

He’s ready for the next level, whether he walks across the stage or not.