Marvin Harrison Jr. & the Buckeyes with a Delectable New Deal

Marvin Harrison Jr. is on a roll this season.

The Ohio State star wide receiver has had an excellent season on the field. Just this year, he has over 1,000 yards receiving. This is despite his sitting out of the first game due to a shoulder injury. In addition, as of August, ESPN predicted Harrison Jr. to be the No.2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Off the field, the receiver is having a similar year in terms of accomplishments. The Buckeye has inked at least eight Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals with brands like Kane Footwear, 7-Eleven, Grippos, and The Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Now, Harrison Jr. is adding to his list of NIL accomplishments with a new deal featuring Chipotle. 

THE details of the deal

Harrison Jr., plus several of his teammates are working with the Mexican restaurant chain to promote the brand, as well as The Ohio State University and its football team. Aside from Harrison Jr., running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams, linebackers Cody Simon and Tommy Eichenberg, defensive end Caden Curry, cornerback Jordan Hancock, and tight end Joe Royer all signed NIL agreements for the campaign.

In September, Chipotle, OSU, and Harrison Jr. released an advertisement featuring Harrison Jr. and his teammates. The video focuses on THE university, its students, and aspects like “real food” that all contribute to the institution’s success. 

“Why is this the best commercial I have seen in a long time?!!,” one user commented. “Always a good day when the best cfb [college football] player posts,” another user said, showing their love for Harrison Jr.

Some longtime fans might hear a familiar voice narrating the commercial. Archie Griffin, a former Ohio State Buckeye, is known for leading the team to an undefeated record, No. 1 ranking, and a Big Ten title. He is also a two-time Heisman winner and went on to play for the Cincinnati Bengals after graduating.

Perks of the partnership

Because Chipotle is an official sponsor of Ohio State athletics, there were several perks involved in the production of the video. The company had the advantage of shooting the commercial inside their location on campus and in parts of the locker room. They also got to wear OSU uniforms and apparel with the school’s logo. This is a great way to get the attention of as many people as possible, according to Pete Nakos, a college sports business and NIL writer for On3.

“Multiple brands continue to tell On3 that being able to use a school’s intellectual property in NIL activations can make all the difference because athletes are more recognizable in their uniform and college environment,” Nakos says. This is just another aspect that will help bring more publicity to Harrison Jr., Ohio State, and Chipotle.

Harrison Jr. working hard in all parts of his career

This is a big deal for Harrison Jr. and the other Buckeyes. The commercial aired at the beginning of the season and not even two weeks later, Harrison Jr. shared another huge accomplishment. On September 16, the Buckeye shared to Instagram that he became the ninth player in Ohio State Football history with 20 or more Touchdown Receptions.

With all of his recent success, there is no question that Harrison Jr. is a highly valued prospect for next year’s draft.

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated by what kinds of activities players participate in off the football field. Growing up in New Jersey, she is a New York Giants fan and attends Rutgers University, pursuing a career in Journalism and Media Studies. She writes for FirstRoundMock.com covering anticipated draft picks and their acts of volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and other interests that shape these individuals.