C.J. Stroud and Marvin Harrison Jr. played together at Ohio State in 2021 and 2022. In 2022, Stroud threw for 3,688 yards and 41 touchdowns, and Harrison caught 77 passes for 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns. On October 11, 2026, the Houston Texans traded for Harrison, putting the duo back together.
Before the NFL struggles, there was a stretch in Columbus when this pair looked unstoppable. Now that they’re teammates again, it’s worth remembering exactly how good they were.
The Ohio State Numbers at a Glance
| Season | C.J. Stroud | Marvin Harrison Jr. |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4,435 yards, 44 TD, 4th in Heisman voting | Waited behind a loaded receiver room, then scored 3 TDs in the Rose Bowl |
| 2022 | 3,688 yards, 41 TD, 3rd in Heisman voting | 77 catches, 1,263 yards, 14 TD, unanimous All-American |
| 2023 | In the NFL | 67 catches, 1,211 yards, 14 TD, Biletnikoff Award |
Harrison’s three-year Ohio State totals were 155 catches, 2,613 yards and 31 touchdowns.
Five Games That Defined Stroud and Harrison
- The 2021 Rose Bowl vs. Utah. Harrison was a freshman with five catches all season behind Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. When others sat out, he got his first start and scored three touchdowns. Stroud threw for 573 yards and six touchdowns, school and Rose Bowl records, in a 48-45 win.
- Arkansas State, September 2022. Harrison caught seven passes for 184 yards and three touchdowns, including a 30-yard grab in double coverage. It was the first sign that 2022 would be his breakout.
- At Michigan State, October 2022. Stroud threw six touchdown passes, and Harrison caught three of them for 131 yards. Harrison became the only player in Ohio State history with three three-touchdown games.
- At Penn State, October 2022. Harrison set an Ohio State career high with 185 receiving yards on 10 catches, all of them first downs, in a 44-31 win.
- The Peach Bowl vs. Georgia. Stroud threw for 348 yards and four touchdowns, but Ohio State lost 42-41. Harrison left in the second half with an injury, and the offense wasn’t the same without him.
Why 2022 Mattered So Much
With Smith-Njigba hurt for most of 2022, Harrison became the No. 1 receiver. He grew into the role fast, earning unanimous All-American honors as Ohio State’s first receiver to do it. Stroud turned that chemistry into 41 touchdowns and an 11-2 season, though they fell short of the national championship.
Harrison stayed one more year without Stroud. He won the 2023 Biletnikoff Award by a single vote and became the first Ohio State receiver to be a Heisman finalist. It was proof that his skills didn’t depend on one quarterback.
What Happened Next in the NFL
Both players were drafted high, and both have hit rough patches.
- Stroud: Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, with 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions. He threw 12 interceptions in 2024, struggled again in 2025, and had a four-interception playoff loss to end last season. Houston started 2026 at 0-4.
- Harrison: The No. 4 pick in 2024. He caught 62 passes for 885 yards and 8 touchdowns as a rookie, then 41 for 608 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2025, which included appendix surgery and a heel injury. This season he had five catches for 85 yards and a touchdown in four games.
On Sunday, Arizona traded Harrison and a 2027 seventh-round pick to Houston for a 2027 second-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans announced it after Houston’s first win, a 26-3 victory over Tennessee.
Can the College Magic Come Back?
Stroud sounded ready. He called Harrison a “dynamic playmaker” and said he’s among the hardest workers he’s been around.
There are real reasons for hope. The two already know each other’s timing, and Houston badly needs receivers with Nico Collins hurt and Jayden Higgins out for the season. It also helps that Harrison’s problems in Arizona weren’t only about quarterback play.
But it’s not automatic. The NFL is faster and tighter than college, and Houston’s offensive line has struggled to protect Stroud. The reunion gives both players a fresh start, but they still have to earn it.
My Take
I think this is one of the best storylines in the NFL right now for Buckeye fans. Stroud and Harrison made each other better in Columbus, and both could use that again. If they find even half of their 2022 rhythm, Houston’s offense gets a real lift.
Do you think the Stroud-Harrison connection works in the NFL? Tell me in the comments, and subscribe for more Buckeyes in the NFL coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did C.J. Stroud and Marvin Harrison Jr. play together at Ohio State? Yes, in 2021 and 2022.
What were their 2022 stats? Stroud threw for 3,688 yards and 41 touchdowns. Harrison caught 77 passes for 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Who traded Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Texans? The Arizona Cardinals, on October 11, 2026.
Where was each drafted? Stroud was taken second overall in 2023 by Houston. Harrison was taken fourth overall in 2024 by Arizona.
