DeMeco Ryans played coy about it twice, then finally let the news spill out at the end of his postgame availability: the Texans had pulled off a trade for Marvin Harrison Jr.
“You guys wanna know, huh?” Ryans said, smiling.
“Yes, we traded for Marvin Harrison. See ya.”
That move sets Harrison back up with C.J. Stroud, the quarterback he played alongside at Ohio State.
Their college connection was a productive one. After Harrison had limited action as a freshman with the Buckeyes, he broke out in 2022 with 77 receptions for 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns while Stroud was throwing him the ball.
Stroud sounded genuinely fired up about getting the reunion going after the Texans’ 26-3 win over the Titans.
“I think he brings a dynamic playmaker, somebody who runs great routes and can catch pretty much any ball,” Stroud said. “I’m super excited to get to work with him.
I loved him in college. He’s probably the hardest worker I’ve ever been around in my life, and then there’s who he is off the field.
He’s a great dude, a quiet guy, but you definitely feel his presence.
“I’m excited to get him here, get him learning and get him around the other guys. I think it’s perfect for him. Fresh starts are good, so I’m excited to have him with us.”
Harrison was inactive for the Cardinals on Sunday with the trade approaching. Through this season, he has five catches for 85 yards and a touchdown. For his career, the 2024 first-round pick has 108 receptions for 1,578 yards and 13 touchdowns.
In Other News...
Michigan States UCLA Trip Just Took A Dramatic Turn
UCLAs fast start under Bob Chesney has made the Bruins one of the more intriguing opponents on Michigan States schedule, with a 5-0 record and a No. 12 national ranking giving the trip real weight for the Spartans. But the matchup in two weeks now comes with a major twist, because the Bruins have lost star quarterback Nico Iamaleava to a season-ending knee injury suffered in the win over Oregon.
Ty Dieffenbach, a senior transfer, is expected to step in under center, which changes both the look and the feel of what Michigan State is preparing for. The Spartans still have to deal with a confident UCLA team that has started fast, but they will be facing a different offense than the one that helped build that early-season momentum. [Read more 🡒]
Tom Izzo May Be Leaning Toward A Surprise Starter Vs UConn
Michigan States trip into exhibition season already has a wrinkle worth watching, with Tom Izzo continuing to sort through his lineup before the Oct. 20 meeting with UConn. Recent practice photos and the exhibition against Incarnate Word have pointed toward a possible surprise in the middle, where true freshman Ethan Taylor has emerged as a candidate to start at center.
Anton Bonke was brought in as a transfer to help stabilize that spot, so any shift in the pecking order would say plenty about where Izzo thinks the Spartans are headed heading into the regular season. The competition at center is still open, and the next few days should offer a clearer read on whether Michigan State is leaning toward experience, or trusting a freshman to handle one of the toughest jobs on the floor. [Read more 🡒]
Michigan States Deep Rotation Could Force A Big Cam Ward Shift
Michigan States upcoming season is already shaping up around one of Tom Izzos favorite kinds of questions: how to keep a deep roster engaged while still finding the right combinations on the floor. With so many lineup possibilities in play, the Spartans are looking at ways to spread minutes across a crowded group and create flexibility without losing the edge that comes from having size and skill available in multiple spots.
One of the more interesting ripple effects could involve sophomore forward Cam Ward, who may wind up with a bigger role than initially expected. Izzo has acknowledged the possibility of using Ward at center, which would give Michigan State another option for small-ball looks and help the staff maximize its depth. For a team trying to balance talent, versatility and playing time, where Ward fits could end up being one of the more telling decisions of the preseason. [Read more 🡒]