Former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer revealed who he believes is going to win the Heisman Trophy in the 2023 season, and it isn't last year's winner.
Last season, the college football world kept close tabs on the Heisman Trophy competition. There were a variety of legitimate contenders, but USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams was named the winner of the 2022 Heisman.
We are a few months away from the start of the 2023 season, and with that, debates begin. Not only are there the "which teams are going to make it into the College Football Playoff" talk, but there's also discussion as to who should be the favorite to win the Heisman.
Former Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer gave his opinion during a recent episode of his podcast, "Urban's Take." To the surprise of no one, Meyer selected an Ohio State player to win the award, but it's a player who is considered one of the best in the entire nation, and that's wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
"I think he's the best player in college football even last year," Meyer said, h/t Sports Illustrated. "I don't think it's going to be close this year. Now, it's can we get him the ball? Can he stay healthy and still prep the way he is? I think he's a unique individual. I think he will be the No. 1 draft pick."
Urban Meyer picks Marvin Harrison Jr. to win Heisman in 2023
Every year, when it comes to the Heisman Trophy, the focus is on the quarterbacks, specifically those playing for the best programs in the country. However, there was some love given to offensive skill position players in recent years. That, of course, was during the 2020 season, where Alabama's DeVonta Smith won the Heisman after recording 117 receptions for 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns.
Last season, Harrison shined for the Buckeyes. With Jaxon Smith-Njigba limited to just three games due to an ankle injury, Harrison stepped up and became a top downfield option for quarterback C.J. Stroud. In 13 games played, Harrison caught 77 passes for 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns.
This offseason, NFL teams were enamored with Harrison at Ohio State's Pro Day a month ahead of the 2023 draft. The thing is, Harrison wasn't eligible, as he had just completed his sophomore year. But once the 2023 season concludes, Harrison will be a favorite to potentially get drafted in the Top 5.
But the real question surrounding Harrison's potential to win the Heisman is who will be the quarterback throwing him the football? With Stroud declaring for the NFL Draft and getting selected second-overall by the Houston Texans, there is a competition between Kyle McCord and Devin Brown for the starting quarterback job.
With the college football season approaching, Meyer has predicted that Harrison will win the Heisman. Buckeyes fans certainly hope that that will be the case, as they haven't had a winner of the award since Troy Smith did so back in 2006.
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